Tech And TV: Study Shows Excessive Screen Time, Explicit Content Changing The Teenage Brain

In one generation, the world has experienced seismic shifts in the way we communicate and relate to one another, but these changes are coming at a high cost – particularly to our children.

Most teenagers (97%) report being online every dayNearly half (46%) of respondents say they use the internet. “almost constantly,” Recent research by scientists at the University of North Carolina has shown that teens’ brains are affected by social media.

UNC neuroscientists examined brain scans from middle schoolers aged 12-15 between 2012 and 2015. found Over time, social media users who were frequent on social media at 12 years old showed increased sensitivity to social rewards. Social media engagement among teens was lower at 12 years old. They also showed less interest over time in social rewards.

Jean Twenge, a psychologist professor at San Diego State University, and author of iGen has also contributed. sounded the alarm Study on the relationship between social media use in teens and anxiety and depression “There is a substantial link to depression, and that link tends to be stronger among girls… The more time the teen, particularly a teen girl, spends using social media, the more likely it is that she will be depressed,” According to Twenge.

Every new habit and every learned behavior leave an imprint on the brain. It shouldn’t surprise that social media use has imprinted the brain. Parents who allow their children to create social media profiles are likely unaware of the extent to social media accounts can train their children to seek approval from others or the long-term implications. Social anxiety can lead to depression and increase fear of rejection, fear about missing out, and inability to get enough likes on social media posts. The addictive nature of social media only adds to these problems.

Children and teens are also being targeted by entertainment programming. This encourages and romanticizes drug addiction, suicide, mental illness, violence and other forms of abuse. The tragic result is that those most at risk will be driven deeper into darkness and despair.

HBO’s “Euphoria” The teen-targeted TV program has shown teens raped and full-frontal nudity of male and female characters (of both adult and teenage characters). It has mainstreamed illegal drug use and underage drinking, and has bombarded viewers with explicit language. “Euphoria” The darkness of addiction is what HBO loves, giving no hope to those suffering from trauma or drug addiction. HBO markets “Euphoria” TikTok is a platform that allows teens to share video clips with their friends.

Netflix’s teen-targeted suicide drama, “13 Reasons Why,” was associated with a 28.9% increase in suicide rates among U.S. youth ages 10-17 in the month (April 2017) following the show’s release, after accounting for ongoing trends in suicide rates. Netflix removed the suicide scene, but the series is still available to view.

Suicide is still the leading cause of death in America today. cause of death Among children and young adolescents in America. The U.S. Surgeon General has warned about the looming mental health crisis facing America’s youth, and new data The U.S. suicide rate rose in 2021 and the highest increase was seen among males between 15-24 years old. 

President Biden has called Tech leaders must ensure that children are safe from online content “that threatens their mental health and safety.”

Leaders need to recognize the importance of multifaceted solutions. Congress should focus on ensuring children are better protected from harm online, and work to pass solutions like the Kids Online Safety Act and the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act. Family Movie Act should be passed by Congress to allow them to filter content on streaming platforms. This will better protect their children’s entertainment content.

In California, the Age-Appropriate Design Code Act, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, will ensure that tech companies design their products with children’s safety and privacy in mind. The Ad Council has recently announced It stated that it would spend $65 million on a seven year Mental Health Initiative to raise awareness about mental health issues.

While these are great solutions, more needs to be done. With a mental health crisis among youth, coupled with growing evidence of social media’s harm on children, it is time for those in the entertainment and technology industries to better protect our children.

Melissa Henson serves as vice president for the Parents Television and Media Council (PTC), an independent education organization that promotes responsible entertainment. Twitter: @ThePTC

The views expressed in this piece do not necessarily reflect those of The Daily Wire.