Too much time spent in front of a screen
Western adults spend a lot, and we mean a LOT of time in front of screens. We know it isn’t good for us, and while our work may contribute to many hours in front of screen, we increasingly choose “screen time” during our hours of leisure as well.
Globally we spend nearly 7 hours a day on screens
According to the webpage Exploding Topics, on a global level people spend an average of six hours and fifty-eight minutes in front of a screen per day, which is an increase of 50 minutes compared to data from 2013.
South Africans spend a shocking amount of time staring at a screen
In the United States, Americans spend even more time staring at a screen: seven hours and four minutes every single day. However, South Africans spend far more time with screens, coming in at a shocking ten hours and 46 minutes of screen time per day on average in the country
Health Problems
However, the health risks of excessive consumption are numerous and documented: social isolation, less physical activity, concentration and attention problems, poor body posture, sleep problems, etc.
A worrying increase among children
Another study cited by the French publication ‘Le Point’ reveals a worrying increase in the time spent in front of screens among children, with an average daily duration of 56 minutes at two years, one hour 20 minutes at three and a half years, and one hour 34 minutes at five years and a half.
The dangers linked to excessive use are particularly high in children, whose brains are not yet formed, in particular because of the low viewing angle of screens which harms the development of peripheral vision.
Tips for making good use of screens
In a largely digitalized society, it seems utopian to do without screens completely. But it is possible to make good use of them: discover our tips for reducing the time you spend in front of them
Reduce the number of apps on your phone
The more apps you have, the more notifications you receive and the more you are tempted to check your phone regularly: so limit the number of apps installed to what is strictly necessary.
