Screens have become an integral part of our daily lives. We spend hours scrolling through social media, watching streaming entertainment services, or playing video games on our televisions and portable devices. As screens have become a part of our lives, so have the varying opinions regarding their impact on us. Are we losing our ability to connect with each other? Or are screens helping us stay connected more than ever?
In this post, we’re going to review six common misconceptions about the effects screens can have on our morale. Whether it’s the impact on relationships within families, virtual communities or mental disorders, it’s all there! Let’s dive right in and see what current research tells us about this fascinating modern development.
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People who spend too much time in front of a device are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and/or stress.
Fake. It’s easy to believe that spending too much time in front of a screen can harm our mental health, but is it true? Studies have suggested a correlation between increased screen time and an increased risk of depression, anxiety and stress, suggesting that too much screen time is to blame. of these problems.
However, the existence of a causal link has not been proven: it is not known if the increased use of screens is really the cause of mental health problems or if those who spend more time in front of appliances are more prone to mental illnesses. One could even argue that the use of screens has benefits when managed correctly; keeping in touch with friends and family, managing finances and keeping up with the news are just a few examples. Ultimately, more research needs to be done before concrete hypotheses can be formulated on this topic.
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People who use screens too often are more likely to develop poor eyesight.
TRUE. This misconception was confirmed by a study from the American Academy of Ophthalmology which showed that staring at screens for too long can lead to eye strain and vision problems such as blurred vision and focusing. on point. While this isn’t necessarily true for everyone, it’s important to be aware of how much time we spend in front of screens to ensure our eyes stay healthy. Taking regular breaks, ensuring adequate lighting during use, wearing appropriate computer glasses, and having regular eye check-ups are all helpful strategies to avoid any long-term damage from prolonged exposure to screens. .
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Being constantly surrounded by screens contributes to a general lack of creativity.
Fake. It’s easy to conclude that constantly being bombarded with screens and seeing them means that creativity takes a hit, but research on this topic has shown otherwise. Screens can be hugely beneficial tools for creating projects, as they enable efficient collaboration between large groups of people and also bring efficiency when it comes to finding data. Research has shown that lack of creativity is often due to procrastination and lack of interest in the project rather than the availability of screens. The use and presence of screens often only highlights pre-existing problems in the attitude towards these projects.
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Staring at a screen all day weakens our memory.
Fake. This is another misconception that claims staring at a screen all day limits face-to-face communication, which makes it easier to form and recall memories. However, recent studies suggest that the appropriate use of digital technology helps strengthen working memory and cognition in general. That being said, it’s important to note that too much screen time can be detrimental, leading to distraction and negative effects on attention span. However, when used appropriately, devices such as computers and tablets can provide us with invaluable educational opportunities that allow us to better challenge our memory and cognitive abilities.
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Spending excessive time on digital devices can further isolate individuals from others.
TRUE. With the rise of technology and social media, it is increasingly common for people to spend excessive time on digital devices. Hence the following question: can this habit increase social isolation? The answer is yes: while digital tools can connect us in meaningful ways, they can also detach us from our daily lives and from other individuals, resulting in a new sense of loneliness. When addiction to our gadgets prevents us from connecting in person or participating in activities with other people, it hurts interpersonal relationships and social growth. It’s important to strike a healthy balance between using the internet for entertainment and connection, but also to engage offline with the real world around us.
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Prolonged use of technology is detrimental to the healthy development of children.
TRUE. From an early age, excessive use of technology can limit children’s ability to learn important social interaction, communication and problem-solving skills. Children may not understand how to effectively manage their feelings, thoughts, and emotions, and how to resolve conflicts with others appropriately. Technology is also reducing opportunities for outdoor physical activity, essential for healthy physical growth. Research on this topic consistently proves that prolonged use of technology in early childhood positively impairs children’s overall development. Taking all of these elements into consideration, it is clear that when parents encourage their children to use technology too often, it will undoubtedly have negative consequences if care is not taken.
