In an age where smartphones dominate our daily lives, a diverse group of individuals reveals their personal screen time habits, offering a unique glimpse into how different generations engage with technology. From the teenager who limits her screen use to under an hour a day to the 31-year-old social media manager who logs a staggering 12 hours, these stories illuminate the varied impacts of digital life on our mental well-being and social interactions.
The Teen’s Perspective: Less Time, More Focus
At just 16 years old, Dayeon stands out in her generation by keeping her screen time remarkably low. With less than an hour a day spent on devices, she exemplifies a mindful approach to technology.
“I think my screen time is what adults want their kids to have,” she shares, reflecting on how her friends’ screen habits often differ drastically. Many of her peers find themselves scrolling through Instagram or TikTok for more than six hours daily, a practice that she believes can lead to self-consciousness and distractions from studies.
While she occasionally feels excluded from conversations revolving around social media, Dayeon remains focused on her education and relationships. “I find it annoying when friends are glued to their phones when we hang out,” she admits.
Dayeon’s story highlights a growing concern among young people regarding their digital footprints. “It’s scary to think about how much of our past is trackable online,” she warns, noting that old videos from her childhood still linger on the internet, raising questions about privacy and personal history.
An Octogenarian’s Connection: Finding Community Online
In stark contrast, 85-year-old Shere has embraced technology as a means to stay connected, particularly following the loss of his wife. “WhatsApp has become my lifeline,” he explains, using the app to maintain bonds with family and friends across the globe.
Shere starts his day by sending greetings to his loved ones and keeps himself entertained with TikTok and YouTube. However, he acknowledges the potential downsides of excessive screen time, often finding himself engrossed in messages at the expense of daily tasks.
“There’s so much rubbish online,” he says, expressing his frustration over irrelevant content. Yet, Shere understands the importance of technology in today’s world, especially for older adults, stating, “The phone is a must, and we need to learn how to use it. Everything is online now.”
The Priest on TikTok: Engaging with the Young
Pippa, a 29-year-old priest, has ventured into the world of TikTok to connect with a younger audience. Initially hesitant, she has embraced the platform, creating engaging content that showcases her dual life as a vicar and a social media personality.
“One of my first TikToks had over 2.2 million views,” she beams, acknowledging the challenge of predicting which posts will resonate with viewers. While she enjoys the creative process, Pippa is careful to maintain her focus on real-life interactions, stating, “I make it a point to stay off my phone when I’m with friends or family.”
Despite the occasional negative comments on her posts, Pippa finds joy in the connections she builds through her videos. “It’s crucial to engage with people where they are, and for many, that’s online,” she notes, highlighting the importance of adapting to the digital landscape.
The Tech CEO’s Digital Detox: A Radical Shift
In stark contrast to Pippa’s online presence, Barnaby, a 43-year-old tech CEO, has taken a radical approach by significantly reducing his screen time. After experiencing burnout from constant connectivity, he now embraces a “buffer time” in the mornings, avoiding screens until he reaches his office.
“I used to check emails and news the moment I woke up,” he recalls, but a bout of depression prompted him to reassess his relationship with technology. Now, he only spends about an hour a week on emails and has eliminated social media from his life.
“My anxiety has decreased significantly,” he shares, explaining how this shift has opened up space for deeper, more meaningful conversations. “I’ve found time to do things with my children that I never had before.”
The Social Media Manager: A Double-Edged Sword
Katrina, a 31-year-old social media manager, faces the challenges of excessive screen time head-on. With a staggering 12 hours on her phone daily, she grapples with the demands of her job and the toll it takes on her health.
“I feel shackled to my phone,” she admits, revealing the physical strain from prolonged screen use. Despite the negatives, she acknowledges the thrill of going viral and the connections formed through social media. “It’s exhausting, but it’s also where a lot of my community engagement happens.”
Katrina’s experience underscores the struggle many face in balancing professional and personal screen time, as the allure of social media often blurs the lines between work and leisure.
Why it Matters
These varied perspectives on screen time reveal profound insights into how technology shapes our lives across generations. From the teenager prioritising academics over social media to the octogenarian finding solace in digital communication, each narrative reflects the broader societal impact of our increasingly connected world. Understanding these diverse relationships with technology is crucial, as it not only informs how we engage with our devices but also highlights the importance of fostering genuine human connections in an age dominated by screens. Balancing tech use with real-life interactions could pave the way for healthier digital habits, ultimately enhancing our well-being in a hyper-connected society.
