06-29-2020 - Is All Screen Time Created Equal? - Self Study Entry 3

 Can you spend less than 2 hours on screens?

That is the guideline for children in Australia. (24-hour Movement Guidelines). And, it seems impossible for most of us today. I spend on average 3 hours a day on my phone, and that isn't including any other media. I watch TV for about 2 hours a night too. And sometimes I fit in an hour of video gaming with my friends too. 

The Australian Government indicate that any more than 2 hours of screen time is detrimental to our physical and mental health. 

I wrote that last sentence 4 hours into doing my course work for a masters course. But there may be some lee-way. I'm doing this blog entry for school.

(Image: Australian Government, Department of Health, 2022)

It's great that they don't include school work. You can be on screens for as long as you want, as long as it's for school. It seems like a strange thing to say, but it implies that not all screen time has the same effect, but it seems like I'm in the clear. 

The idea that school work-related screen time is okay raises a question: Is all screen time created equal?

Is my two-hour Halo session on XBox the same as your two-hour deep-dive into Ted-talks? Is doom-scrolling all night the same as learning a language using Duo Lingo?

The answer, as it turns out, is complex. Video games may not be bad for you, according to the article, "When and How Video Games Can Be Good: A Review of the Positive Effects of Video Games on Well-Being" (Halbrook et al., 2019)

Specifically, the inclusion of social activity can benefit prosocial behaviors and affect the relationship between violent video games and aggression that some studies have demonstrated. Moreover, the research on the relationship between violent video games and aggression depends greatly on individual and sociocontextual variables outside of game play. (Halbrook et al., 2019)

Screen time limits, then should be context specific. If we engage with others in meaningful ways, screens can enhance our lives. And perhaps that's why school work isn't included in Australia's 2 hour time limit. 

If I'm using my phone or TV to do a meditation or exercise routine, then it is safe to say that the benefits outweigh the risks. 

But there have been numerous studies linking social media use to negative effects on mental health. Researchers from the University of Bath indicated that a one week break from Instagram, Tik Tok, Twitter, and Facebook can significantly reduce anxiety and depression. 

"'Many of our participants reported noticing positive effects of getting away from social networks. These included improved mood and less anxiety. This suggests that even a small break can have an impact," commented Bath Health Department principal investigator Dr. Jeff Lambert." (Content Engine, L. L. C., 2022, Jun 01).

Knowing that, it might be better to revise the 2 hour screen limit guidelines to reflect the idea that certain types of activities are detrimental. It might even make sense to regulate those activities and apps.

The FCC is aiming to do just that: 

TikTok is owned by a Chinese company called ByteDance, which is itself linked to the Chinese government. (Dado Ruvic/Reuters)

 The CBC reported on a story today, June 29th, 2022 that said that the FCC was aiming to have Apple and Android remove Tik Tok from their app stores. That would mean that the American Communications regulator is taking an active stance on the app. 

The stance they are taking is actually in regard to data security concerns. But having the app removed would still be a step in the right direction. While they are making no statement about the mental health impacts of social media apps, a government action again such a social media app is a step in the right direction.

So what should you do?

You can try to follow Australia's 2 hour guideline. It will be tough. Or you can listen to some of the current research which says that certain digital activities have more merit than others. Positive social interactions through gaming, learning a language through an app, accessing fitness and mental health resources through your cell phone - all of these are good uses of technology. And we have to remember that screen time is a lot like the food we eat.

It depends on what you are consuming.