Screen Time, Sleep, and Social Isolation: A Triad of Emerging Public Health Risks

Abstract

Digital devices are used consistently in our lives, and this use is increasing. Research has shown that the use of electronic devices has a variety of physical and mental effects, both positive and negative, and that several factors determine these effects (Maria, 2023). These factors include who owns the devices, where the devices are kept, the type of device being used, the purpose for which the device is used, and, most relevant to this study, how long the devices are used, or screen time (Nakshine et al., 2022). In terms of physical effects, eye strain, neck, shoulder, and back pain seem to have a causal relationship with prolonged screen time according to the Journal of Education and Health Promotion (Devi & Singh, 2023), and extended screen time can affect your mental state by disrupting the circadian rhythm, a cycle that regulates sleep (Nakshine et al., 2022). This disruption of the circadian cycle can quickly lead to social isolation, confusion, depression, and other mental conditions and disorders. It is notable, however, that there have been some benefits to taking a restrained approach to using devices, as this prevents excessive screen time, the main cause of the previously stated effects, and can also provide a high level of mental stimulation, increasing focus and providing other positive mental effects.