Experts Warn of Negative Effects of Screen Time on Mental and Physical Health.
The negative effects of screen time.
Script:
Internet addiction and the negative effects of too much screen time are becoming increasingly common issues, according to recent surveys conducted by Pew Research. The surveys show that 31% of US adults and 46% of US teens are on the internet "almost constantly," and among those, a significant number are using popular social media platforms such as TikTok and YouTube.Jerome Yankey, a college freshman, is one of the many individuals who have struggled with the addictive nature of social media. He noticed that his use of TikTok had become problematic, affecting his physical and mental health as well as his overall productivity. Yankey's experience is not unique, with the 2022 Pew Research Survey of US teens revealing that 67% of them use TikTok, and among those, 16% use it "almost constantly."
Although internet addiction is not an official clinical diagnosis, experts agree that too much screen time can have negative effects, especially for children. Dr. Michael Rich, a "mediatrician" who treats young patients with problematic media use at Boston Children's Hospital, notes that the problem arises when screen time impairs a person's day-to-day functions. He believes that technology is not the cause of his patients' problems but rather amplifies them.
"the addiction model should be avoided"
To address this issue, Dr. Rich has a counterintuitive approach to helping his young patients. He listens to them and helps them learn how to wean themselves off their devices and adopt a healthier relationship with electronics. Dr. Rich believes that the addiction model should be avoided as it often leads to a negative stigma associated with addiction.It is essential to recognize the negative effects of too much screen time and take action to prevent addiction. It is vital to seek help from professionals like Dr. Rich if necessary to develop a healthier relationship with technology.
Questions:
Part 1: Comprehension
Read and summarize the article thinking of who, what, when, where & why.
Part 2: True or False Questions
a) True or False - 31% of US adults are on the internet continuously. T/F
b) True or False - Jerome Yankey is the only individual who has struggled with the addictive nature of social media. T/F
c) True or False - Dr. Michael Rich believes that technology is the cause of his patients' problems. T/F
d) True or False - Seeking help from professionals like Dr. Rich is not necessary to develop a healthier relationship with technology. T/F
Part 3a: Guess the meaning of unknown vocabulary/phrases.
a) "Addictive"
b) "Mediatrician"
c) "Counterintuitive"
d) "Stigma"
Part 3b: Vocabulary in Use - Write an example sentence using the words from 3a.
a) Addictive:
b) Mediatrician:
c) Counterintuitive:
d) Stigma:
Part 5: Talking Points
Part 6: Role play Scenarios
One student can pretend to be a patient struggling with internet addiction and seeking help from a doctor, played by another student. The doctor can ask questions about the patient's screen time habits and offer suggestions for developing a healthier relationship with technology.
One student can act as a concerned parent who wants to limit their child's screen time, while the other student can play the child who is resistant to the idea. They can discuss the negative effects of too much screen time and come up with a compromise that both parties can agree on.
Two students can act as friends who have different attitudes towards screen time. One can play a friend who is addicted to social media and spends too much time online, while the other can be a friend who is concerned about their well-being. They can discuss the issue and come up with strategies for developing a healthier relationship with technology.
Part 7: Writing Activity
Present simple tense - How much time do you spend on your mobile phone? what do you use it for? when do you use it the most?
Part 8: Critical Thinking - Screen time
Should digital devices replace paper and books in your company/school?
In groups discuss the above question, with team A agreeing that digital devices should replace paper and books in your company/school and team B opposing.
Then come together as a class and reach a consensus on the answer.
Answers:
Part 1: Comprehension
The main idea of the article is that internet addiction and excessive screen time are becoming increasingly common issues, especially among teens, and can have negative effects on physical and mental health as well as overall productivity. The article discusses the experience of Jerome Yankey and how his problematic use of TikTok is not unique. The article also highlights the views of Dr. Michael Rich, who treats young patients with problematic media use, and his counterintuitive approach to helping his patients develop a healthier relationship with electronics. The article was likely written to raise awareness about the negative effects of too much screen time and to encourage readers to seek help if necessary.
Part 2: True or False
A: True B: False C: False D: False
Part 3a: Guess the meaning of unknown vocabulary or phrases.
a) "Addictive" Answer: I think this means something you can't stop wanting or doing. In the context of the article, "addictive" refers to the addictive nature of social media and how it can lead to problematic behavior.
b) "Mediatrician" Answer: This is a pediatrician who specializes in treating children with problematic media use. In the context of the article, Dr. Michael Rich is a mediatrician who treats young patients with problematic media use.
c) "Counterintuitive" Answer: This means contrary to what one would intuitively expect. In the context of the article, Dr. Rich's approach to helping his young patients wean themselves off their devices and adopt a healthier relationship with electronics is counterintuitive.
d) "Stigma" Answer: This means a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person. In the context of the article, Dr. Rich believes that the addiction model should be avoided as it often leads to a negative stigma associated with addiction.
Part 3b: Vocabulary in Use - Write an example sentence using the words from 3a. (examples)
a) Addictive: Video games can be highly addictive, causing some people to play for hours on end.
b) Mediatrician: The mediatrician at my son’s school advised parents on how to manage their children's screen time and media use.
c) Counterintuitive: It may seem counterintuitive, but sometimes slowing down and taking breaks can actually make you more productive in the long run.
d) Stigma: Stigma surrounding mental health issues can discourage people from seeking help when they need it.
Part 7: Writing (example)
I spend a significant amount of time on my mobile phone, probably around 4-5 hours a day on average. I use it for various purposes, such as staying connected with friends and family through social media and messaging apps. It's also my primary tool for checking emails, browsing the internet for research and news, and managing my class schedule and assignments through productivity apps. I tend to use it the most during breaks between classes, in the evenings for entertainment, and right before bedtime, which is something I'm trying to improve to get better sleep. But overall, my phone is an essential part of my daily life for communication and staying organized.
