Therapy Near Me Mental Health Articles

This article examines the relationship between screen time and mental health, drawing on recent academic research to analyse the psychological effects of prolonged exposure to digital screens. It addresses the growing concerns about screen time in the digital age and its implications on mental well-being.

In today’s digitally driven world, the increase in screen time across all age groups has become a subject of considerable research interest. The ubiquity of digital devices has led to an escalation in the time spent interacting with screens, raising concerns about potential mental health consequences. This article explores the current research findings on the psychological impacts of screen time.

Significant research has been conducted on the effects of screen time on children and adolescents. Twenge and Campbell (2018) found a strong correlation between screen time and an increased risk of depression and anxiety among teenagers. Moreover, studies have shown that excessive screen time can lead to attention problems, sleep disturbances, and impaired social skills in children (Council on Communications and Media, 2016).

For adults, prolonged screen time has been associated with heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Smith et al. (2020) reported that excessive use of digital devices, particularly social media, can lead to feelings of isolation and decreased life satisfaction.

Social media consumption is a significant component of screen time. Lin et al. (2016) noted that high usage of social media platforms is linked to increased feelings of social isolation and depression, particularly among young adults.

While video games are often considered a form of entertainment, excessive gaming has been linked to addictive behaviors and negative mental health outcomes, as indicated by research from Kuss and Griffiths (2012).

Not all screen time is detrimental. The content and context of screen usage play crucial roles in its psychological impact. Educational and interactive content, for instance, can have positive effects (Radesky et al., 2015).

Individual characteristics, such as personality traits and pre-existing mental health conditions, influence how screen time affects mental health.

Setting limits on screen time, especially for children and adolescents, is recommended. Engaging in offline activities and ensuring regular breaks during screen usage can mitigate negative effects.

There is a need for more longitudinal studies to better understand the long-term impacts of screen time on mental health.

The relationship between screen time and mental health is complex and multifaceted. While there are evident risks associated with excessive screen use, especially in children and adolescents, understanding the context and content of screen interactions is crucial. Balanced and mindful use of digital devices is key to minimizing adverse psychological effects.

References:

1. Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. (2018). “Associations between screen time and lower psychological well-being among children and adolescents: Evidence from a population-based study.” Preventive Medicine Reports, 12, 271-283.
2. Council on Communications and Media. (2016). “Media and young minds.” Pediatrics, 138(5), e20162591.
3. Smith, A., et al. (2020). “Social media use and perceived social isolation among young adults in the U.S.” American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 53(1), 1-8.
4. Lin, L. Y., et al. (2016). Association between social media use and depression among U.S. young adults.” Depression and Anxiety, 33(4), 323-331.
5. Kuss, D. J., & Griffiths, M. D. (2012). “Internet gaming addiction: A systematic review of empirical research.” International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 10(2), 278-296.
6. Radesky, J. S., et al. (2015). Enhancing parent-child communication and parental understanding of children’s development through mobile technology.” Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 36(4), 298-304.

How to get in touch

If you or your patient/NDIS clients need immediate mental healthcare assistance, feel free to get in contact with us on 1800 NEAR ME – admin@calmandcaring.com.