Section 1.1: The Digital Generation

Young people today face criticism for being excessively attached to their smartphones, often described as "glued to their screens." For many, social media has become a secondary existence that runs parallel to their everyday lives, impacting their mental well-being. Although social media is a modern development, its effects on the human brain are increasingly understood.

Consequences like low self-esteem and depression are common among those immersed in a screen-dominated environment. Older generations gradually adapted to these technologies, often learning to navigate life without social media. But what about today’s youth? How do they fare without their smartphones?

Generation Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) has known nothing but a world filled with electronic distractions. For many, taking a break from screens for an entire day can feel like a significant event. Educator and advocate Diana E. Graber discusses this in her contributions to "Psychology Today."

“When I first assigned this task over a decade ago, students were eager to disconnect. However, as years passed, that excitement faded, and some even suggested my assignment was 'cruel,'” she recalls. Nevertheless, she notes that nearly all students report feeling "calm" and "relaxed" after a day away from screens.

Section 1.2: Balancing Happiness and Anxiety

Findings from a survey by the Pew Research Center highlight that nearly three-quarters of American teenagers experience happiness (74%) or calmness (72%) when they are without a smartphone. However, some teens report negative feelings in the absence of their devices, with 44% experiencing anxiety, 40% feeling irritated, and 39% reporting loneliness. This emotional response may relate to withdrawal symptoms, but it remains unclear whether these teens are truly addicted to their devices.

Despite recognizing the benefits of unplugging, only 38% of participants admit to spending too much time on their phones. Interestingly, over half feel their usage—51% for phones and 64% for social media—is just right. While the survey did not specify exact time spent, research from Common Sense Media in 2022 indicated that teenagers spend approximately 8 hours and 39 minutes on screens daily, with preschoolers averaging 5 and a half hours.

Section 2.1: The Appeal of Smartphones

What draws teenagers to their smartphones? According to survey results, it’s not solely about social media. A notable 69% of teens indicate that smartphones help them nurture their hobbies, while 65% believe these devices foster creativity. About 40% of respondents feel smartphones aid in forming healthy friendships. Yet, 42% acknowledge that the internet may hinder the development of social skills.

It's also noteworthy that reliance on smartphones isn't limited to teens. Approximately 47% of parents feel they spend too much time on their devices, while 45% think their usage is appropriate. Notably, many teenagers believe their parents are often distracted by their phones during conversations, with 8% claiming this occurs frequently.