Column: the dangers of too much screen time

I grew up during a time when the most innovative technology available to the average Jane or Joe consisted of flip phones, CD-ROMs, and the world’s first generation of iPods. It’s safe to say technology has certainly evolved as the years have gone by, and we've had to change along with it – but for better or worse?

You need only look at a 2017 study in the journal Clinical Psychological Science that found young people who spend time on social media and on their smartphones are far more likely to report having mental health issues.

This is a problem, not just for Gen Z and Gen Alpha, but for anyone glued to their technology – which seems to be almost everyone, these days.

It could be that less screen time is the anecdote to much of society’s mental health crisis, but there doesn’t seem to be any stopping us now. And scientists are just beginning to discover the dangers of too much screen time.

According to Harvard Health, blue light emitted from our screens affects our sleep, and it can potentially cause disease, too. This blue light messes with our circadian rhythm, which is responsible for regulating our sleep cycle. Not only does our sleep take a big hit, it may even increase the likelihood of developing cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

Social media has also been found to be detrimental to our self-esteem, relationships, memory, attention span, mental health, and sleep. According to the Independent, using social media platforms too often can cause us to feel “unhappy and isolated in the long run.”

But that isn’t to say technology is all bad. It has certainly brought us an increase in knowledge and communication. Through its use, we are able to connect with loved ones from all over the world, and make new acquaintances who share common interests.

Technology has also made our lives a lot easier, less complicated, and more efficient through the use of energy-and-time-saving devices like smart speakers, Fitbits, and Apple watches.

We are also able to pursue new levels of creativity with technology's aid. I depend on my camera, laptop, and recording device to perform my duties as a journalist. I also like to blog, read e-books, and watch inspiring YouTube videos in my spare time. I’m sure many of you also enjoy the benefits of the technological revolution, too.

But there’s no denying technology has a dark side. From heavily filtered Snapchat selfies to censorship and the perpetuation of misinformation on social media, technology has distorted our view of reality. It has also taken over too big a role in some people’s lives, diminishing time spent exercising, in conversation with friends and family, and in nature.

Whether or not you consider technology to be a problem in your life, I think a lot of us could do with a technology detox.