5 Harmful Effects of Too Much Screen Time

In the digital world we live in, many of us can’t go an hour without checking our smartphones. Once seen as a luxury, smartphones, tablets, and laptops are considered a necessity in our day-to-day lives. Whether it’s for work purposes, keeping in touch with family and friends, or providing entertainment, too much screen time can actually do your health more harm than good, such as the effects listed below.

Sleep Deprivation

The blue light that emits from your digital device can harm your sleep. We’re all aware of the importance of a good night’s rest for our physical and emotional well-being. However, many of us spend a good chunk of time in our bed scrolling through our smartphones and social media feeds. If you fall into this category and find yourself waking up feeling exhausted and rundown, it may be time to cut back on your screen time usage.

Digital Eye Strain

When behind a computer, smartphone, or tablet for a prolonged period, you may develop digital eye strain, which can cause eye discomfort and vision problems. As well as reducing your screen time, there are additional tips to avoid digital eye strain that can benefit you. While there aren’t any permanent consequences linked with digital eye strain, the discomfort you experience can be hindering.

Increased Risk of Obesity

Because of technology and social media, millions of Americans are swapping exercise for lounging on the couch on their smartphone. Understandably, the more time you spend behind a screen, the less exercise you’re getting, which can increase your risk of obesity. Regular exercise is vital for keeping your weight in check, so it’s wise to cut back on your screen time and get outdoors in the fresh air for some physical activity.

Impaired Socializing Skills

While lots of us are great at communicating virtually, when it comes to real-life situations, you will be surprised at how many people climb back into their shells. Although screen time and social media platforms can be great for connecting, real-life interactions can be affected as a result. Children especially may become anti-social and prefer to stay in their bedroom on their digital devices. This means that it’s more important than ever to reduce your screen time.

Lower Self-Esteem

Spending a large chunk of time in the virtual world of screens can impact how you perceive yourself. If you’re an avid social media lover, you may become fixated on looking at how others live their lives and comparing it to your own. Weakened confidence can impact you in your professional and personal endeavors, so if you find your self-esteem has taken a hit, it may be time to cut back on your screen time.

If you use a digital device for work or pleasure, reducing your screen time can do wonders for your health and protect you against the harmful effects above. While there are positives you can gain from being in a virtual world, you need to be aware of the negatives too.