Digital Devices

Mobile phone - friend or foe?

In today's digital age, using devices for learning has become increasingly popular, offering access to a wealth of information and interactive tools that enhance education. However, it's essential to recognize the potential drawbacks, particularly the impact of distractions and mental health challenges.

We may not all admit to spending too much time on our electronic devices, but for most of us, this is probably the truth. And it's not our fault. We live in a digital age where everything from our work to social life and entertainment can all be found on our phones.

Although devices are indispensabile, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have a break from them every now and again. This is what has become known as a 'Digital Detox'. Watch the video below for apps that help you get time, focus and wellbeing back!

A bestselling book recently released by Jonathan Haidt called, 'The Anxious Generation' tracks the decline in mental health of "Gen Z" (people born in the late 1990s and early 2000s). He cites research attributing this to:

Overprotective and paranoid parenting
A "phone-based" instead of "play-based" childhood

He argues that social media causes issues in the following ways:

Social deprivation (less time meeting in person, without distractions)
Sleep deprivation (more time on devices in bed and less overall time asleep)
Attention fragmentation (constant interruptions cause problems with attention)
Addiction (the apps deliberately create a craving for repeated use)

Watch the video below and discuss / decide whether you agree with his conclusions...