Why young people say they are not the only ones hooked on screens
Many young people, like Bailee, have faced criticism from older generations about their screen time. Bailee, aged 24, shared her mother's frustration, who often blames her phone for her daughter's misbehavior.
However, after spending time with her mother, Bailee realized that her mother's screen addiction might be a bigger issue than she initially thought. She noticed her mother's intense focus on the Candy Crush game, even during their attempts to communicate.
The debate around screen time and mental health has intensified globally, with countries like Spain, Greece, Britain, and France considering stricter regulations on social media. Australia took the lead in December by becoming the first nation to prohibit access to certain platforms for children under 16.
While the focus in these discussions has primarily been on teenagers and young adults, young people have pointed out that older generations are also struggling with screen addiction. Bailee believes that the older generation is more addicted than they care to admit.
A YouGov survey in the United States revealed surprising screen time habits among older adults. Over half of 45- to 64-year-olds reported spending five or more hours daily in front of screens, and one in five estimated their daily screen time at seven to eight hours. These findings challenge the notion that screen addiction is exclusive to younger generations.
Interestingly, the survey also showed that younger people spent the most time on screens, with 70% of 18- to 29-year-olds reporting five or more hours daily, and nearly one-third spending at least nine hours. However, neuropsychologists note that the differences in screen time between age groups are narrowing.
Michoel Moshel, a neuropsychologist, suggests that younger 'digital natives' can assist older individuals in recognizing problematic screen use. He believes that younger people are more comfortable in the digital environment and can initiate open conversations with their parents and grandparents about the challenges they face with technology.
According to the YouGov survey, younger Americans are more likely to acknowledge their struggles with screen time. Almost 70% of 18- to 29-year-olds want to reduce their screen use, and nearly half have actively tried to cut down in the past year.
However, implementing screen-free time is challenging for many young people. Bailee mentioned the convenience of having essential services and personal information on her phone, making it difficult to disconnect. She observed the addictive nature of scrolling, watching reels, and playing games, which provide dopamine-driven rewards that app developers manipulate to keep users engaged.
Jess, aged 22, also struggled to reduce her screen time despite setting time limits and deleting apps. She feels trapped in a cycle of constant screen usage, fearing that she has been failing for years.
Interestingly, Jess's parents have become more understanding of her generation's phone use over time. They have moved from criticizing their phone usage to recognizing the 24/7 digital environment they grew up in. However, older people still make comments about younger people's excessive phone use.
Researchers note that Australian data on screen time, categorized by age, is not regularly collected. However, a dataset from the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2020-21 indicated that screen time, particularly TV and video screens, increased with age. The interwar and baby boomer generations spent over three hours daily on these screens.
The same dataset revealed that Gen Z females spent the most time on their phones, while Gen Z males spent the most time playing digital games. When it comes to problematic screen use, Dr. Moshel estimates that about one in 10 people have a problem, defined as a loss of control over screen time with negative consequences.
Additionally, Dr. Moshel suggests that between 3% and 5% of people are clinically addicted to screens. He explains that individuals with problematic relationships with screens often struggle with intentional usage, despite their intentions and desired platforms. They experience negative consequences due to a lack of control, which highlights the need for recognition and intervention.
The social media ban in Australia sparked a conversation about alternatives for young people during the summer. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese encouraged them to engage in new activities, such as starting a sport, learning an instrument, or reading.
Jazmin, aged 15, mentioned that she was removed from most social media apps before summer, leading to a reduction in her screen time. She now uses social media only when necessary, and initially felt a sense of missing out. However, she has found that getting out more has been beneficial.
Blaize, aged 16, who is not included in the ban, believes his screen time has also been impacted. He used to be constantly on his phone, but now he can only communicate with people his age or older. Blaize has also noticed excessive screen usage among older family members, including his mother, pop, and nan.
Amos, aged 19, stands out as an exception, using his phone less frequently than many of his peers. He relies on his phone for essentials, a habit he has adopted from the older people in his life. Amos feels that he used to be more phone-dependent in high school but now uses it for necessities and happiness.
