The effects of screen time are a point of frequent conversation. However, such discussions often focus on the impact of screen time on the health and well-being of children. But children are not the only age group who has to consider how much time they spend with their devices.
Many professionals spend hours on end in front of computers, and those same people may spend a lot of their free time watching shows and/or scrolling social media and news stories online.
There are quite a number of negative effects of too much screen time, even for adults. However, the point in time when device usage is considered detrimental to adults’ health is not clearly defined. Some health experts say that limiting social media use to 30 minutes per day leads to a “significant improvement in well-being.” If that isn’t enough to convince adults to put down their devices, perhaps an examination of the various harmful side effects of screens might do the job.
• Depression: A 2017 study published in the journal Preventative Medicine Reports found a significant association between television watching and computer use with moderate or severe levels of depression.
• Eye strain: Looking at screens can impact eye health. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends the 20-20-20 rule for adults who work on a computer. This rule says that individuals look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes of the day.
• Neck and back pain: Time spent sitting at a desk or on a phone and looking down adversely affects the body. This places strain on the neck, shoulders and back. In fact, many health care providers refer to the condition as “tech neck.” Pain can occur and the risk for severe musculoskeletal issues can increase when these positions are held for too long, according to Reid Health.
• Cognitive changes: A 2020 study in Science Direct found that adults who have been diagnosed with smartphone addiction had problems with the part of their brains responsible for transmitting messages.
• Reduced physical activity: People who spend too much time on screens may be less likely to engage in physical activity, such as going on walks, working in the garden, playing sports, or engaging in active hobby projects. A sedentary lifestyle is linked to various health implications, such as increased risk for obesity and the health problems that come with being overweight.
• Impact sleep: The JAMA Network reports that among a cross-sectional analysis of 122,058 participants in the American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study-3, screen use was associated with decreased sleep duration and worse self-reported sleep quality. Electronic screen use before bed can disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to poorer sleep.
Screen time is not just a concern for children. Adults should moderate screen usage to safeguard themselves from an assortment of negative, device-related outcomes.
