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A Generation of Screen Addicts?

Written by Hilary Ma, Edited by Amy Chan


In the world of such rapid technology, children are turning more and more to screens–but what fuels this shift? It’s more than just simple entertainment. It's instant stimulation creates a cycle of quick engagement, hooking viewers into a powerful feedback loop that demands constant attention. Beneath the surface of this, screens begin to fill emotional voids in vulnerable children, creating an unhealthy dependence. When combined with rapid dopamine releases, this dependence develops into addictive behavior that worsens the very issues that these children may be trying to escape. 


Our Screen Usage

In the United States, younger children are accessing screens at an unprecedented rate. Recent surveys estimate that children aged 8-12 are already using their screens for 4-6 hours a day, with teenagers averaging up to 9 hours of screen time a day (Xu et al., 2023). Additionally, a survey conducted by Common Sense Media in 2016 found that 50% of teenagers felt addicted to their devices and 75% felt an immediate need to respond to notifications. By 2021, it was noted that screen times increased by an estimated 17% in children, surpassing the 4 years prior. They also reported that teens pick up their phones a median of 51 times a day, with this number going up to an astonishing 498 times per day. Furthermore, over ⅔ of those aged 11-17 reported that they struggled to disengage from screens, used screens to cope with negative emotions, and lost sleep at night due to their screen usage (Azaret, 2024). These shocking statistics highlight how technology is increasingly taking over the lives of our youth while simultaneously sacrificing their health and well-being for profit. 


The Cause and Effect

Screens are designed to provide instant stimulation that can be hard to resist. Technology companies exploit this by designing products to maximize engagement and to increase their profits, with little to no regard for their users' well-being. They do this by tapping into the brain’s dopamine system–a chemical linked to movement, motivation, and pleasure–which reinforces our brain’s reward system. In a way that's similar to substances like drugs or alcohol, our brain experiences a dopamine-induced high at first, but is left craving more and more. Although studies have shown that this excessive use of screens is linked to anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, poor impulse control, and more, the usage of digital devices continues to be pushed onto consumers. In particular, this is extremely harmful to young children and teens whose brains are already in a vulnerable state of development. Those who may feel sad or lonely will turn to their screens for this quick dopamine release, only for their emotional states to be worsened by their reliance on screens. This vicious cycle leaves users craving the next burst of quick and convenient stimulation, making them return to their screens rather than other options like spending time outside or taking up other hobbies. As quick digital gratification becomes more and more normalized, once rewarding activities like spending time with loved ones, exploring the beautiful nature outside, or being able to truly learn and process new information, can begin to feel dull and uninteresting.


What Can Be Done?

The growth and development of our children are increasingly impacted by the excessive use of such devices. Depending on a child’s age and individual needs, parents should set a consistent screen limit while being mindful of the types of content being viewed. This should be done gradually but consistently. In addition to this, it’s also essential for parents to model healthy behaviors to their children by monitoring and changing their habits. Finding the time to positively engage with children also helps to provide the social interaction needed for a safer and stable emotional development. Other helpful habits include establishing phone-free zones in the house, taking walks in nature, or exercising to create natural endorphins (Scherger, 2023). It’s important to recognize that change can be difficult and slow. Every child is different, but patiently setting consistent guidelines with open discussions about mental health helps to avoid the trap of these devices.


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