A new study published in Psychological Science annuls the widely accepted notion pertaining to screen time of young people. The study casts doubt on what is widely believed that screen time, especially before bedtime does damage to young people’s mental health. The study based on analysis of more than 17,000 teenagers, finds little evidence of screen time impacting mental health and well-being of adolescents.
For the study part, researchers employed best statistical and methodological techniques available in this space. Following a comprehensive analysis, researchers found little evidence that support association between digital screen time and adolescent well-being.
Often Considered Mighty, Psychological Science fails to furnish Objective Explanation
Meanwhile, psychological science considered a powerful tool to understand link between screen time and adolescent well-being. However, so far, it has failed to furnish objective explanation of such hypothesis to stakeholders and the public. The explanation which is transparent, high-quality, and includes objective examinations of growing concerns related to digital technologies.
To corroborate their finding, researchers further analyzed three different datasets. The datasets were subject to improved measurement of screen time and analyzed thereafter. This provide little evidence between screen time and diminished well-being. That too if digital technology is use just before bedtime.
On the contrary, the research explained little impact of screen time on the mental health of adolescents. This holds for both weekdays and weekends. Not only this, use of digital screen may be 30 minutes, 1 hour, or even 2 hours did not support association with diminished adolescent well-being. Something often considered a fact by media reports and public discussions.
