Technology has transformed how we interact with the world, how we communicate with each other and how we consume information. Between smartphones, computers, tablets, TV sets and video games, screen time can easily dominate your waking hours.
What does this increased digital consumption mean for the human brain? How can you find a screen-time limit that works for your life?
American adults spend more than 11 hours every day consuming various media, with an average of 3 hours, 35 minutes per day on mobile devices alone. Youth ages 8-18 look at screens for more than seven hours a day.
What are the potential long-term effects of prolonged screen time? Are developing minds more affected? At what point is this kind of consumption considered an addiction?
Should screen time be limited or monitored more closely, or are these worries unfounded? What are the challenges to limiting screen time?
Are you mindful of how much time you and your loved ones spend looking at screens everyday? What healthy habits can help keep your screen time in check?
Guests:
- Catherine Price, author of “How to Break Up with Your Phone" and founder of Screen/Life Balance
- Jean Twenge, professor of psychology at San Diego State University and author of the book "iGen: Why Today’s Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy — and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood"
"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. Leave a message before the program at (210) 615-8982. During the live show, call 210-614-8980, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet at @TPRSource.
This interview was recorded on Tuesday, May 14.