What’s so bad about screen time? For most people, it’s really just a way to pass the time, right? Is it really true that our phones are enslaving us to consume?

Many studies have shown that social media use negatively affects mental health. But I suspect there’s some nuance to that conclusion. Everyone needs balance. If someone is scrolling for basically the whole day, and not actually DOING anything, they’re liable to mental health issues. Partially because they could be jealous of the creators they watch but more importantly because they aren’t moving, and they aren’t improving mentally. Do shit. Try things. Without a relationship to the content you consume it is utterly meaningless. And stay healthy. Poor physical health is closely connected to poor mental health.

Related to the last point, screens affect our sleep. There are two reasons for this blue light, which I’m sure most people are aware of, and the simple fact that we’d rather be entertained than sleep. So basically the solution is to just go to bed. If your phone is too much of a temptation put it out of reach or better yet, completely out of sight.

All media is designed to be as enjoyable as possible. Of course. The more we consume, the more the producers make. My approach to this is to be extremely critical and analyze how and where I’m spending my time. What has my attention? If that doesn’t serve my goals, I either cut back on it or cut it out entirely. This takes discipline. But anyone CAN do it. Make a commitment, a promise to yourself. If it helps tell someone about it and have them check in on you.

So, to sum up my take on screen usage, just be moderate and in control. Be cognizant of what has your attention, and have the willpower to overcome distraction and focus on your goals. Ultimately, if you can’t control yourself, that’s modern-day natural selection at work.