Studies indicate that reducing screen time may be more effective than antidepressants.

The arrival of smartphones that offer constant access to the internet has transformed daily experiences and the development of young people, according to Jonathan Haidt, co-author of a book on generational anxiety. Following the publication of his article, diverse comments emerged regarding the responsibility attributed to social media and the internet in general. Recently, researchers from the University of Alberta and Georgetown University conducted an experiment that involved blocking internet access on mobile phones for two weeks. The results revealed significant improvements in participants' mental health, self-control, and sleep habits, even surpassing the benefits of some antidepressants.

The study concluded that reducing screen time by half could provide concrete advantages for mental health and overall well-being. This is not the first time such a warning has been issued; in 2023, a recommendation from the Office of the Surgeon General suggested several strategies to limit smartphone use and encourage real social experiences, highlighting its addictive potential.

The experiment involved more than four hundred volunteers who installed an app to disconnect the internet on their mobile devices, allowing only calling and messaging functions. At the end of the trial period, the average screen time was reduced from 5 hours and 14 minutes to 2 hours and 41 minutes. The participants, with an average age of 32 and hailing from the U.S. and Canada, showed significant changes in their concentration and a decrease in depressive symptoms.

The relationship between smartphone use and physical and mental health has been the subject of studies, showing that excessive use of these devices can lead to depression and a decline in social and emotional functioning. Among the consequences of the inactivity induced by these devices is an increased risk of heart disease. However, it has also been noted that they can be useful tools for promoting healthy habits if used appropriately.

The changes observed during the study were not limited to numbers; behavioral changes were also recorded. Participants reported more social interactions, spent more time in nature, and became more engaged in their hobbies. Additionally, they experienced an increase in their sense of self-control and an improvement in sleep quality, validating previous findings that linked excessive phone use with sleep quality issues, depression, and anxiety.

Although not all participants were able to completely disconnect during the experiment, improvements in mental health and subjective well-being were noted, suggesting that constant connection to the online world comes at a high psychological cost. While not everyone can afford to be without the internet for two weeks, the study highlights that social media is a key driver of screen addiction and suggests available implementations on devices to assist users, such as digital wellbeing settings that allow for usage time limits.

In conclusion, the responsible use of technology and the implementation of clear limits on its use can contribute to improving quality of life, as well as fostering meaningful memories and experiences that may be lost in a constantly connected digital world.