Is technology harming teen mental health?
In this fireside chat, we spoke with Dr. Daria Kuss about how technology is affecting teen mental health. Dr. Kuss is an expert on "cyberpsychology" and is a clinical advisor at Appa.
Read a summary of some of the big takeaways below!
Teens are using screens a lot.
In fact, Dr. Kuss told us that teens are on screens for more than 9 hours per day on average. They are using screens for school, but also for entertainment.
Teens are often pressured to be connected and reachable at all times.
This can add to a “fear of missing out” or fear of being excluded. This fear can lead to problematic behaviors and potentially increased depression or anxiety.
Technology isn't all bad. Sometimes it can also be very beneficial.
Social media can be an important way to maintain social bonds, especially during crises like COVID. Gaming can also be a good way for certain teens to increase their self-esteem.
Screen time is not the best predictor of problems.
You always need to look at the quality of the screen-time. Certain activities can be much more positive than others.
Parents can do a lot to help teens cultivate healthy relationships with technology.
Model healthy behavior. Don't be distracted with your phone at the dinner table!
Encourage technology free spaces. For example, don't allow computers and smartphones in specific rooms.
Schedule specific times for technology use, and specific times that are technology free
Talk with your teen about their technology use
Be open! Ask them what they use technology for.
Be curious and engaged. Ask them to share what they are passionate about online.
Tech addiction is real--but it's complicated.
People are not addicted to the medium of the internet, they are addicted to the activities they do online. As Dr. Kuss says, “Internet addiction is akin to saying that alcoholics are addicted to the bottle, rather than the content of the bottle.” Things like social media and online shopping can definitely become problematic behaviors, but they are not official diagnoses right now.
Gaming disorder is now an officially recognized diagnosis.
Dr. Kuss’ research helped health organizations officially recognize gaming disorder as a real diagnosis. This is an important step to help provide resources and support to people suffering from excessive gaming.
