The global average screen time is six hours and 38 minutes. For most, that time accounts for half of the waking day. It is arguable though that these statistics can be attributed to time spent working in front of a computer, for academic or for occupational reasons. Even so, that doesn’t seem to account for the time we spend on our phones, which could be in the form of sending a quick text or checking social media. If not in front of our screens, what are we doing instead? In recent times, it seems that doom-scrolling on social media has warped into an acceptable form of entertainment and self-care. At this rate, we are nearly able to consider social media influencing and scrolling as a legitimate hobby. If we succumb to that definition, though, the implications raise concern.

The average screen time for adults increased by more than 60% in 2020, according to a recent report. Since we are increasingly reliant on our devices and online sources, our brain’s neurological pathways are at the risk of negative consequences, such as a raised dopamine baseline that demands higher than average stimulation for satisfaction. 25% of teenagers with at least four hours of screen time suffer from depression or anxiety. This may be ascribed to the unrealistic standards and trends that encroach upon our social norms and expectations. Though this mainly affects females aged 10 to 14 years old, it doesn’t extinguish the reality that, in the stages of our early adulthood, we continue to fall prey to social media’s negative effects and toxic comparison to online personas.

As a highly-driven student population, academic validation is something many of us thrive on. It is easy to find ourselves evaluating our self-worth based on student influencers online, who gain high viewership based on their stand-out routines, including early morning runs and fitness regimes, efficient study sessions at the library and downtime to wrap up their ultra-busy schedules. This is the general format most student influencers tend to follow, and, in reality, we are only shown the deliberate snapshots of what is likely an inaccurate painting of one’s life. One good day doesn’t determine the trajectory of the following week, month or year. It is important to remind ourselves that we all have good and bad days, but that isn’t accurately represented through an edited 30-second video. Allowing ourselves to give in to the pressures of orchestrating the perfect daily routine can lead to cognitive dissonance and low-self esteem.

With the popularization of artificial intelligence (AI) and chatbots, we have reached new levels of dependency on our devices. Instead of verbally asking questions, those who utilize AI-chatbots like ChatGPT may find themselves typing their questions into the “Ask anything” bar. However, AI dependence threatens cognitive development, especially when students discard their own rationale in favor of a quick, shortcut answer from ChatGPT or other chatbot websites. This can lead to cognitive atrophy most consistent with an aging brain model. Furthermore, social and emotional development is at stake. The unwavering optimism and agreement chatbots are programmed to express can create skewed versions of reality and what a relationship should look like. According to a survey by the Center for Democracy and Technology, 42% of high school students reported that they or someone they know has utilized AI for companionship.

Remember that reading, drawing, baking and running are all hobbies that still exist. Filling our free time with meaningful activities can make the days seem longer and serve as a relaxing digression from the schoolwork and studying that we as students are responsible for. Doom-scrolling for an hour can feel like 10 minutes, and this repeated ritual often leaves us craving more and more content. Along with the stress from college, that is arguably the last thing we need.

If anything, it seems that we should make an effort to decrease our screen times for the sake of our cognitive abilities and developing future. We are far too capable to fall victim to the ball and chain effect of our phones. Next time you consider reaching for your phone during a free moment, consider the implications of its over-usage.