From the bedside to the shower, screens now occupy every space in our lives. Checking the time, searching the weather, reading the news, and communicating with friends – our daily lives are hard to imagine without smartphones. Digital tools, especially smartphone apps, help us learn new technologies and solve everyday problems, but at the same time, they carry the risk of completely captivating us. Édgar Enciso, head of the Risk Factors Department at the Paraguayan Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare, emphasizes, "It's crucial to find a balance, as being solely fixated on screens can accumulate factors detrimental to mental health."

 
Social Isolation and Lack of Physical Activity

Enciso points out that excessive screen use deepens social isolation. The development of social skills through relationships with family, partners, and friends is essential for humans, but immersing oneself in the digital environment inevitably reduces interaction with the real world. Dr. Néstor Sánchez, a pediatric neurologist at Acosta Ñu Hospital, recalls warnings about excessive TV and video game use decades ago. However, back then, the usage time for such entertainment was limited by program schedules or parental control, whereas the advent of YouTube and streaming platforms has rendered these restrictions meaningless.

Dr. Sánchez agrees with Enciso that children engrossed in screens experience difficulties in social development, just like adults. "This clearly deprives them of socialization time and can further strengthen individualistic tendencies," Dr. Sánchez adds.

 
Dopamine Hypersecretion and Health Problems

The pediatric neurologist explains that electronic device use increases dopamine secretion in the brain, leading to a continuous desire to use the devices. Both health professionals express concern about the health effects of exceeding the recommended two hours of screen time for children, adolescents, and adults alike.

One of the most noticeable problems is a sedentary lifestyle. The longer children are fixed in front of screens, the more anxious they become, which leads to a desire to consume more food. Consequently, overweight and obesity appear as other visible results of excessive screen use. Enciso emphasizes that 52% of the adult population in Paraguay is overweight or obese. According to the 2017 Global School Health Survey, 34% of the child and adolescent population spends more than three hours a day sitting or lying down. For adults, on average, four hours a day are spent without activity.

In addition to overweight and obesity due to a sedentary lifestyle, long-term problems such as cardiovascular disease, sleep disorders, and decreased academic performance can arise. Dr. Sánchez points out research indicating a threefold increase in children's screen exposure time worldwide. He explains that while prolonged exposure to digital entertainment has not been proven to be a direct cause of autism, hyperactivity, attention deficit, or language delay, it can contribute to exacerbating the symptoms of these pediatric conditions.

 
Alternatives to Breaking Free from Digital Addiction

While prolonged use of electronic devices is a significant problem, completely stopping their use is not realistic. The key is to improve digital habits through balanced use.

For those who work long hours in front of computers, Édgar Enciso recommends active breaks. It's good to get up from your seat once an hour and move for 2-3 minutes, or take a short walk or stretch. This routine can also be repeated at home. He also suggests using applications that allow you to move your body to music, which can be enjoyed with children at home like a game.

Enciso once again emphasizes the importance of limiting electronic device usage time to within the recommended duration. While screens can be used as educational tools, various activities that can be done outside of screens are also important, he says. "It's very important to engage in outdoor activities. The whole family, children and adults alike, should do outdoor activities. Enjoy nature, relax, put down your phones, and engage in healthy activities."

Dr. Néstor Sánchez emphasizes removing the negative stigma associated with screens and highlights the validity of smart screens as educational tools. However, such use must always be accompanied by adults to foster human connection. The pediatric neurologist at Acosta Ñu Hospital explains, "Simply handing a smart screen to a child and leaving them unattended is not good. This will definitely cause problems."

In conclusion, the digital world has become an important part of our lives, but finding balance within it and forming healthy usage habits has become more crucial than ever. Efforts are needed to limit screen time, actively participate in outdoor activities, and extend communication through devices to interactions with the real world.

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