Seville high school student Inma Rojas, 18 years old and in her second year, has taken a bold step towards improving her health and well-being by removing herself from Instagram and TikTok. She cites the platforms’ excessive consumption of her time as the reason for this decision, particularly as she prepares for her university entrance exam in two weeks. Prior to making this change, Inma spent over three hours a day on social media, surpassing the recommended daily limit set by the World Health Organization.
While some studies suggest that adolescents spend an average of six hours per day using smartphones, research indicates that excessive screen time can have negative consequences on mental health and physical well-being. The abuse of digital media has been linked to various mental disorders, poor body image, and decreased overall well-being. Furthermore, there is growing concern about the impact of excessive screen time on individuals’ heart health and stroke risk.
Despite these risks, many people struggle with regulating their screen time effectively or providing guidance on responsible technology use to their children. To address this issue, efforts are being made to raise awareness about the potential dangers of technology addiction and promote healthier habits among individuals, especially young people. It is crucial for individuals to be mindful of their screen time and prioritize their health and well-being above all else.
Inma’s experience serves as a reminder that it is essential to find a balance between using technology for its intended purpose and not becoming too reliant on it at the expense of our own health and well-being. By taking action like Inma did to limit her social media usage, we can help mitigate the negative effects of technology overuse while promoting a healthier lifestyle overall.
