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Technological innovation has allowed us to communicate with others instantaneously, increasing the ability to create and maintain social connections. The ubiquity of electronic media over the past 60 years, across several generations, has led to greater focus on research evaluating the effects of screen time throughout critical periods of development. A study analyzing cohort trends, while controlling for age and time period, found that from the period of 2008 to 2017, those born in the 1990’s (IGen) and 1980’s (Millennials) reported significant increases in severe psychological distress and thoughts of suicide in contrast to those born in the 1970’s (GenX) and earlier (Baby Boomers) (Twenge et al. 2019). Compared to face-to-face (or “offline”) social networks, which are positively associated with life satisfaction and mental health, social media (or “online”) social networks, such as Facebook, are negatively associated with overall well-being (Allcott et al. 2019; Shakya and Christakis 2017). Excessive exposure to electronic devices may be related to an increase in sleep disturbances, both of which are also independently associated with increased psychological distress such as suicidal ideations and depressive symptoms (Pigeon et al. 2012; reviewed in Twenge et al. 2019). Social connection appears to be more beneficial in offline contexts than online, as electronic based social media may lower self-esteem, heighten the risk of internet addiction, and increase mental health problems, for example, by moderating the effects of internet usage on internalizing problems such as social anxiety and depression (Selfhout et al. 2009; Shakya and Christakis 2017). The increasing use of electronic media by young children may have adverse consequences on future cognitive functioning and attentional focus, considering the acquisition of learning and attention capacities throughout the critical developmental periods of childhood (American College of Pediatricians 2016).
Developmental Effects of Excessive Screen Time
Excessive screen time (e.g., more than 2–3 h exposure to electronic media including television, computers, and mobile electronic devices) can affect the developing brain which has important consequences for cognitive and motor development, learning and memory, emotional regulation, and overall health. Compared to children born in 1970 who typically began watching television at age 4, children born after 2000 began watching television on a regular basis at 4 months old (Christakis and Zimmerman 2006; Zimmerman et al. 2007). Research suggests that earlier...