Stop! Did you know that by simply reading this article you are causing yourself to be more susceptible to heart disease, poor sleep and low cholesterol, along with a whole host of other health complications? (But wait, keep reading…)

All of the symptoms mentioned above are results of excessive and addictive screen time. In addition to the negative impact our screens can have on our bodies, it can also affect our mental health and mood. Excessive screen time can lead to depressive episodes and antisocial behavior. 

If there is evidence that this is true, then why are institutions such as schools and businesses asking their students and employees to increase their time in front of screens? 

To put things into perspective, as a high school senior, it is required by my school to interact with my screen for a minimum of generally six hours a day. That is 8 AM to 3 PM, with a one-hour break for lunch. This does not include the increased amount of homework and projects that are required to be completed outside of class also while on our devices. And for teachers, that six hour time span does not include the time they spend planning and grading.

Even though we are facing unprecedented territory, it is imperative that chief executive officers, presidents, deans and principals recognize what they are asking of their respective communities. This new system will all be for nothing if people emerge with crippling depression and they’re bound to oxygen. At the end of the day, we know that our screens make us less happy, less productive and less healthy. Maybe it is time to flatten that curve.

Image courtesy of NeedPix.com.

Facts courtesy of sciencedirect.com.