How screens affect the brain How to regulate their use among younger people?
Guillermina Rizzo addresses the harmful effects of screen use starting from psychology.
Listen to his column for Radio Perfil AM 1190.
by Guillermina Rizzo
In this note
What are the long-term effects of excessive screen time on young people’s mental health?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Dr. Guillermina Rizzo
An expert in psychology and the effects of screen use on young people
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Rizzo! It’s a pleasure to have you here today to discuss an important topic that impacts so many of us: the effects of screen use on the brain, especially among younger people. Let’s dive right in. What are some of the key psychological effects of prolonged screen exposure that you’ve observed?
Dr. Guillermina Rizzo: Thank you for having me! One of the most concerning effects of excessive screen time is its impact on attention and concentration. Young people are increasingly finding it difficult to focus on tasks that require sustained mental effort. This is primarily due to the fast-paced, fragmented nature of content presented on screens, which trains the brain to constantly seek stimulation.
Time.news Editor: That’s fascinating, but also alarming. With so many distractions involved in digital media, what strategies can parents and educators implement to help regulate screen use among younger individuals?
Dr. Rizzo: There are several effective strategies that can be employed. First, fostering open conversations about screen use is crucial. Parents should engage their children in discussions about the time they spend online, the types of content they consume, and how it makes them feel. Setting specific screen time limits is also beneficial, along with encouraging alternative activities like reading, sports, or creative hobbies that promote more rewarding forms of engagement.
Time.news Editor: Those suggestions seem practical and constructive. In your experience, how do you think screen use impacts social interactions among young people?
Dr. Rizzo: That’s a critical point. While screens can facilitate communication, they often replace face-to-face interactions, which are essential for developing social skills. I’ve noticed that many young people struggle with empathy, interpreting non-verbal cues, and forming deep emotional connections. This shift can lead to increased feelings of isolation and impact their overall mental health.
Time.news Editor: It’s clear that a balance is needed. Are there any positive aspects of screen use that you think we should recognize, particularly in terms of educational benefits?
Dr. Rizzo: Absolutely! When used mindfully, screens can be powerful educational tools. They provide access to a wealth of information, online learning platforms, and social connections around shared interests. The key is to promote balanced use that combines screen time with real-world activities and interactions.
Time.news Editor: Regulation seems to be crucial. In recent years, have you observed any shifts in how society approaches screen use among youth?
Dr. Rizzo: Definitely. As awareness of the psychological effects of screen overuse grows, there has been a stronger push for digital literacy programs. Schools are beginning to incorporate discussions around healthy screen habits into their curricula. Additionally, there’s a growing movement toward digital detoxes, where families take breaks from screens to reconnect with each other and nature.
Time.news Editor: Those trends give us hope! As we wrap up, what’s the key message you would like our readers to take away regarding screen use?
Dr. Rizzo: It’s essential to approach screen use with intentionality. We must understand that while technology is integral to our lives, it should not dominate them. By fostering a conscious relationship with screens—one that values moderation, awareness, and alternative modes of engagement—we can promote healthier minds and stronger connections for our youth.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rizzo, for your insights and for shedding light on this vital topic. It’s discussions like these that help raise awareness around the importance of mindfully managing screen time in our lives.
Dr. Rizzo: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure to share my thoughts!