Could you be addicted to Technology?
In our present day, the increase in popularity and integration of technology in our daily lives prompts one to ponder the potential of developing an addiction to technology. At what point are we at risk for crossing the fine line from general use to problematic use?
I know this topic isn't a new one, but it's something I've started to think about more this year as my toddler and I plough through the turbulence & tantrums that go with limiting screen time.
I don't give my son much screen time, he probably gets 30 mins tops a day during the week and a tad more at the weekend, but the constant battle when the cartoons are turned off is exhausting! I don't remember having that kind of reaction when the Gummy Bears ended...
Why are cartoons so fascinating? Why is he SO desperate to watch cartoons and SO distraught when it's time to stop?
To ask this I must ask it of myself. I'm less desperate for the cartoons but I do love a Netflix period drama, a good trawl through Pinterest and my friends will attest that I am an Ebay Queen! I am constantly entertained, mind-numbing oblivion is right there in my hand. I am guilty of allowing myself too much screen time.
I remember travelling back from University and being super excited to use that time as "my" time to think. I worry I'm losing my creativity, my opinions and ideas. So, I have made a commitment. I must limit my own screen time.
I look back on my childhood with such fondness, playing commandos in the back garden (I was a tomboy), making up dramatic plays, constant tennis games, choreographing (pretty damn good) dance routines. This actually wasn't just my childhood, we did this until we were 16!
When I see children at the park sat in groups on their phones not communicating or really seeing each other, it makes me worry for my son's childhood. I hope he enjoys the carefree adventures I did without the pictures being posted online and the heartbreak of no one "liking" them.
Campaign Growth Analyst at Domestic & General
5 年Leah this is very interesting and a source of much debate this end especially on weekends when we are abit more lax on bedtimes.
Innovating Financial Services
5 年At my daughter's previous school (she is 8) the Head Teacher announced a survey of screen time.? Parents naturally thought that this would highlight the amount of screen time children were 'allowed' at home.? The biggest shock from all the responses was that many children felt lonely because of the amount of time their parents spent on devices, including at family meal times.? Leah Matkin?you are right.? Look at your own behaviour first!
Sr Manager Data Engineering & Data Analytics ? Techno - Business - Functional Liaison ★ Adept in Cloud + On-Premise Technologies ? Storyteller
5 年Hey Leah, your article completely resonates most of the parent's life right now. While there are pros and cons to technology and limiting screen time is a solution. But the hard things is for the parents coming out of their comfort zones (shutting off tech) and engaging kids in other activities. I believe now most of the parents are realizing this and turning old school. I have been taking my daughter out to library, recreation clubs and even ensuring I play with her after our dinner. But I am also constantly loooking for other ideas where I can provide entertainment plus learning to my little one. Thank you for putting this in words.
Emma Woodhead White,?Rebecca Gaynor, Hannah Burgess?thanks for the memories xxx