Reduced Screen Time Boosts Human Bond

In the modern era, excessive screen time has become an inevitable aspect of our everyday lives. From smartphones and tablets to laptops and televisions, screens dominate our daily routines, influencing how we work, communicate, and entertain ourselves. It is a known fact that technology has made our life easier; spending too much time in front of a screen can have serious negative effects on our physical and mental health as well as on social interactions. It is, therefore, critical to understand the impact of reducing screen time and creating better habits. Hence, it is necessary to maintain a balance between digital and real-world experiences in order to have general well-being, better productivity, and improved interpersonal relationships. 

Spending excessive time on screen can result in a range of physical health issues. One of the most prevalent issues is digital eye strain, which is characterised by dry eyes, headaches, impaired vision, and trouble focusing. Constantly staring at a screen for extended periods of time can cause discomfort and possibly permanent vision problems. Another serious concern is musculoskeletal problems and bad posture. People who spend excessive time in front of the screen may suffer from neck and back pain. A sedentary lifestyle also increases the risk of obesity, heart disease, and other lifestyle-related diseases.

Sleep disturbance 

Furthermore, too much screen time interferes with sleep cycles. Melatonin production is inhibited by the blue light emitted from the screen, which not only makes it harder to fall asleep but also lowers the quality of sleep. All mental, physical and emotional health suffer due to inadequate and poor quality of sleep. Paradoxically, due to the growth of social media and digital entertainment, people now live in an environment where they feel more connected but also more alone. There has been a strong relation between increased incidences of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem with extended screen time.

Additionally, the instant gratification provided by digital devices can impact our ability to focus and develop patience. Many people develop an addiction to scrolling that prevents them from concentrating on their tasks without constantly checking their phones, which results in increased stress, decreased productivity, and even a deterioration in cognitive ability. Digital communication has made it easier to remain in touch with loved ones but in-person connections have suffered as a result. Social skills deteriorate because of over-reliance on social media and texting which is particularly for younger people. The ability to read body language, interpret tone, and engage in meaningful conversations is decreasing.

Family relationships might suffer owing to extended screen engagement. It is not uncommon to see families often seated together, each immersed in their devices rather than communicating with one another. A lack of healthy real-time interaction may result in emotional detachment and loneliness. Despite making people connected, technology has caused social isolation. Many people prefer virtual interactions to in-person communication, which has weakened interpersonal connections. Furthermore, children growing up in the digital age are finding it difficult to have face-to-face interactions. Their overuse of devices affects their ability to understand social values, make eye contact, and develop empathy.

Screen addiction not only hampers productivity at work but also performance at school. Digital distractions such as social media, video streaming, and online gaming are all examples that distract people from concentrating on their work. Multitasking between digital activities hampers efficiency and can also impair cognitive function. Moreover, excessive screen time limits engagement in creative and outdoor activities, which are essential for mental stimulation and personal growth.

The constant digital distractions significantly lower productivity at work. Whether at work, school, or home, people often find themselves checking their phones multiple times an hour, which impairs concentration and decreases productivity. Research suggests that multitasking between digital activities can impair memory retention and lower problem-solving abilities. Additionally, overconsumption of fast-paced digital content, such as short videos and social media feeds, can shorten attention spans that cause people to struggle to read long articles or engage in deep thinking because they have become accustomed to quick, bite-sized information.

Improved relationships

Improved relationships, increased happiness, and better health, thus results with limiting use of electronic devices. It is, therefore, essential to participate in more physical activities by limiting screen time. Adequate physical activities help in preventing musculoskeletal problems and obesity and enhances cardiovascular health. Reducing screen time before bed improves the quality of sleep, mood, concentration, and general well-being. Anxiety, depression, and loneliness can be reduced by prudent use of social media and limiting excessive screen time. People who take breaks from digital devices often report feeling more present, less stressed, and more satisfied with their lives.

Spending less time on screens means more opportunities for real-life interactions. Limiting screen time helps enhance human connections as it provides opportunities to have meaningful conversations with family, engage in social activities, or simply make eye contact during discussions. Let us make healthier relationships with technology by prioritising real-world interactions, engaging in offline activities, and setting boundaries on the use of electronic devices. Therefore, it is entirely our responsibility to live more fulfilling, connected, and balanced lives both online and offline. 

(Dr. Lohani is the executive director at the Health Concern. lohanis@gmail.com.)