Title: Study Shows Link Between Disordered Screen Use and Lower Cognitive Functioning
Screens have become an integral part of our daily lives, serving as essential tools for work, education, and leisure. However, a new meta-analysis of numerous studies has uncovered a connection between disordered screen use and diminished cognitive functioning.
The study, conducted by researchers from Macquarie University and Australian Catholic University, examined the impact of screen time on cognitive abilities. They found that individuals with disordered screen use consistently demonstrated significantly poorer cognitive performance compared to those without it, with the most affected cognitive domain being attention and executive functioning.
The findings are particularly concerning in the context of increasing screen time among young people. According to a report from the UNSW Gonski Institute for Education, 84% of Australian educators believe that digital technologies are distracting in a learning environment. Additionally, a recent Beyond Blue survey of Australian teachers identified excessive screen time as the second-most significant challenge for young people, just behind mental health issues.
Despite these concerns, more than half of Australian schools have embraced a “bring your own device” policy, leading to an increase in screen time among students. The study revealed that tweens spend an average of 5 hours and 33 minutes using screen-based entertainment each day, while teenagers devote a staggering 8 hours and 39 minutes.
The impact of screens on cognitive abilities has sparked much debate, with some researchers and reporters claiming that screen use can have negative effects, such as health problems and hindered development. On the other hand, schools are increasingly adopting technology to boost student engagement, and tech companies are marketing their products as tools to enhance problem-solving and memory skills.
The researchers behind the study emphasize the need for caution before advocating for more screen time, as disordered screen use can have substantial consequences on cognitive functioning. Additionally, they suggest that individuals with impaired cognitive functioning are not as well equipped to moderate their own screen time, highlighting the need for action from both users and tech companies.
As the study sheds light on the potential cognitive consequences of disordered screen use, it raises important questions about the role of screens in daily life and the responsibility of tech companies in promoting healthy screen habits.
This article was republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.
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