As we go further into the twenty-first century, the society around us changes because technologically persuades people to change their ways. The biggest role in this issue, however, is the amount of time younger generations are spending on their devices.
The question starts with this; “Can too much screen time affect one’s development?” The answer to this is yes, the only difference is if creates a positive or negative affect. This issue has started becoming more common as the demand for technology increases. It is possible that some could see why more technology is good for children, as it is becoming the norm of society and could cause children to feel different and alone. But it realistically and statistically leaves a negative impact on all generations, especially the young.
To start, too much screen time hinders one’s motivation to go outside because they get bored easily and there is nothing to do, especially for children. An article written by Rebecca Kennedy is based on a study by the National Trust Fund where they found that children spend half the time playing outside that their parents did. In this article, it states that “children are playing outside for an average of just over four hours a week. This compares unfavorably with 8.2 hours for their parents when they were children”. This can be triggered by many things, but is commonly by a parent’s fear of kidnap and a child’s motivation to only play on video games. In the end, children always tend to make their way to some sort of technology.
Next, social media is also hindering one’s development/social skills immensely, especially with family. The article “In the age of screens, families are spending more time “alone-together,” a study from 2000-2015 shows that families are spending 9% more time together total, but within that total, there is a 43% increase of the time that is spent “alone-together.” Also not being social with friends, my two younger siblings stopped physically being with their friends often while when I was in their grades I was constantly with my friends even though my siblings and I all got out phones just before entering 6th grade. This could be because of the impact of advancing technology has made on younger generations, causing them to lose their social skills earlier and disconnect from friend groups and become more isolated.
Lastly, the amount of technology in the world has taken away the purpose of life as they pull you in, drowning you from your surroundings and reality. One day, I was at home with my mom and my brother. My brother was playing in the basement on his computer and i had to run out and get the neighbors because my mom suddenly had intense pain and we called an ambulance. A stretcher, 8 medical people, a barking dog, and half my family members all running across the floor above my brother, and he had no idea. It was only until he came upstairs half an hour later and asked where everyone was, did he find out.
Overall, the question “Can too much screen time affect one’s development?” can be answered. While it can help one become distracted with many things at their fingertips, it can negatively change who one is as a person. The stories and statistics above are only the start of the change. As technology reaches younger and younger generations, the future and the way society runs will make more dramatic changes as people create a new norm.
Works Cited:
– https://www.childinthecity.org/2018/01/15/children-spend-half-the-time-playing-outside-in-comparison-to-their-parents/?gdpr=accept
– https://qz.com/1573329/are-families-spending-less-time-together-due-to-screens/
I 100% agree. I think it’s really sad when I see kids, especially really young, at dinner or just with their families on their phones. Personally, I don’t want to give my kid access to their own device till way later on. But, my question is, can we even avoid doing that as technology keeps advancing? I’d like to say I’d give my child a book instead of a phone but can I even do that without them being attracted to a screen?
I agree with you on most points. However, parents are at fault too. I see kids from the age of one have an iPad put in front of their face to stop them from crying. Parents have the ability to control and limit their kids’ screen time. Kids will become more addicted if their parents constantly use technology as a crutch.