High Screen Time impacts relationships, Personal Health & Mental Health
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This weekly newsletter is mostly about the article, books, videos etc. I read or watch or my views on different topics which revolves around my head during the week. Now, let us dive into this week’s reads.
Increased Screen Time for Adults - Declines Physical, Psychological Health and Sleep Patterns
Excessive screen time, resulting from dependency on digital devices like smartphones and computers, has a detrimental impact on both physical and mental health. It can lead to increased stress, anxiety, sleep problems, and poses risks for obesity and cardiovascular issues. Psychological effects include symptoms of depression and suicidal tendencies, often associated with poor sleep quality due to excessive screen time. Moreover, it can disrupt circadian rhythms, alter brain chemistry, and impede mental development, particularly in children. High screen addictions has greater effects on brain development in children and the negative outcomes for both adults and children.
you can read the full article here,
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9638701/#sec-a.f.ctitle
This review article studied the relationships between screen time and digital device usage, precisely during the night times, the quality of sleep, anxiety causes, feelings of depression, and issues related to self-esteem, as well as physical effects in individuals. Results also show that exposure to mobile phones has a deleterious impact on the viability and motility of sperm.
As studied in the article, the Screen time maximum of 4 hours in extreme recommendation. Anything beyond 4 hours is a addiction. Just look around, Your family member , friends or colleagues whose usage of screen time is more than 4 hours, You can clearly see their behavior getting changed. I am no mental health doctor, but when someone you love or care for are getting into high screen time, you can clearly see the impact on your relationship.
Excessive screen time, especially when it involves activities like prolonged smartphone or computer use, social media scrolling, and watching videos, can have several negative impacts on a person's physical and mental well-being. Some of these negative effects include:
* Physical Health Issues:
* Sedentary Lifestyle: Spending long hours in front of screens often leads to a sedentary lifestyle, which is associated with various health problems, including obesity.
* Sleep Disturbances: The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with sleep patterns, leading to sleep disturbances and insomnia.
* Eye Strain: Prolonged screen use can cause digital eye strain, characterized by symptoms like dry eyes, headaches, and blurred vision.
* Mental Health Issues:
* Anxiety and Depression: Excessive screen time, especially on social media, can contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
* Reduced Attention Span: Constant exposure to screens can lead to a shorter attention span and difficulty concentrating on tasks.
* Increased Stress: Frequent notifications, news, and social media updates can contribute to increased stress levels.
* Impact on Relationships:
* Decreased Social Interaction: Excessive screen time can lead to reduced face-to-face social interactions, which may negatively affect relationships with family and friends.
* Conflict: In some cases, disputes can arise in relationships due to one person's excessive screen time, which may lead to feelings of neglect.
* Productivity and Academic Performance:
* Decreased Productivity: Excessive screen use, especially for non-productive activities, can reduce overall productivity in work or academics.
* Lower Academic Performance: Students who spend more time on screens may experience lower academic performance due to reduced study time and concentration.
* Physical Health Risks:
* Digital Addiction: Some individuals develop a dependency on screens, leading to digital addiction, which can have severe consequences on their daily life and responsibilities.
* Impact on Children and Adolescents:
* Developmental Issues: Excessive screen time during childhood and adolescence can interfere with healthy development, including cognitive and social development.
Excessive screen time can indeed have various impacts on a person's well-being, including their ability to focus on other tasks and engage in meaningful conversations. Here are some steps you can consider:
* Open Communication: Try having an open and non-confrontational conversation with person you care about your concerns. Express how his/her screen time is affecting your relationship and your worries about its impact on his/her daily life.
* Set Boundaries: Discuss setting some boundaries on screen time. You can mutually agree on specific times of the day when screen use should be limited, such as during meals or quality time together.
* Explore Interests: Encourage him/her to explore other interests or hobbies that don't involve screens. Suggest activities you both can enjoy together, like going for a walk, cooking, or playing board games.
* Supportive Environment: Create an environment that encourages non-screen-related activities. For example, designate screen-free zones in your home, such as the dining area or bedroom.
* Professional Help: If his/her excessive screen time is significantly affecting her daily life, emotions, or relationships, consider seeking professional help. A therapist or counselor can provide guidance and strategies to address underlying issues.
* Lead by Example: Sometimes, leading by example can be effective. Show him/her that you're willing to reduce your own screen time and engage in activities together.
Remember to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. It's essential to work together to find a balanced and healthy approach to screen time that works for both of you.
It's important to note that the impact of screen time can vary from person to person and depends on factors such as the type of content consumed and the individual's susceptibility to addiction. Moderation and balance are key to mitigating these negative effects. Encouraging screen-free activities, setting limits, and promoting a healthy lifestyle can help reduce these risks. If someone is struggling with excessive screen time and its negative consequences, seeking support from a healthcare professional or therapist is advisable.
That is all for this week. See you again.
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