The time people—and especially kids—spend in front of a screen has been a topic of much attention ever since the television became a common household item. These days, we have smartphones, tablets, video game consoles, and whatnot, and thanks to online connectivity these devices never run out of content. Content is being created right now even as you read this…hours and hours of entertainment.
And thanks to the current Covid-19 pandemic, we have been relying on screens even more and more as they are currently our safest way to connect with our loved ones, jobs, and other responsibilities. This infographic weighs in the data, the research, the good, and the bad that comes from using or abusing our time in front of a screen on a regular basis.
The bottom line is that we shouldn’t worry how much time we (or our kids) spend on the Internet, but rather the kind of content or activities we’re engaged with. Are you having a zoom call with your friends and relatives? That’s great! Are you mindlessly doomscrolling on social media? Definitively put a timer on that!
Remember, devices are getting smarter and online services (be it social media, games, or streaming services) are not only designed to be engaging, but downright addictive. You gotta be smarter than that and realize that there is a reason why you or someone you love can’t seem to put that phone down.