We live in an age in which technology is all around us, and part of our daily lives.
It’s a glorious age of convenience, but too much technology can also have negative effects and consequences. A study revealed that people in the United States spend more than 17 hours per day in front of digital devices, on average.
There are some side effects of screens you should be aware of so that you can limit the damage effects they have on you. Read on to learn about the main negative effects of screen time that you should know about.
It Damages Your Eyesight
Start by learning the link between too much time spent on screens and eyesight damage. When you read screens, you’re regularly narrowing your field of vision and exposing your eyes to bright lights. This weakens your vision over time and can cause you to need a stronger prescription for your glasses and contact lenses.
The damage that you experience can negatively affect your quality of life, and make it harder to do your job.
Screen Time Can Throw off Your Sleep Schedules
When you’re learning how to reduce screen time, keep in mind that it can also hurt your sleep-wake cycle. This happens because devices emit blue light, which throws off your circadian rhythm.
As a result, your brain doesn’t always secrete enough melatonin, and you are likely to get disrupted or incomplete rapid eye movement (REM) sleep cycles. This can cause you to wake up sluggish and with a head full of brain fog. Your quality of life can become miserable when it’s difficult to get enough sleep each night.
You Might Get Headaches
Exposing your eyes to prolonged device light can also cause headaches. People even get screen migraines that cause pulsating pain in their temples and forehead.
These headaches can get worse over time if you’re not careful, so take the time to get regular breaks between your work shifts. Stay hydrated so that your eyes have plenty of natural moisture so that you’re not straining to see the screen.
It Becomes Harder to Focus
You might also have a tough time focusing the more you stare at screens. The technology can cause mental fatigue and a difficult time thinking clearly.
The screens we stare at deliver non-stop colors, sounds, and brain endorphin hits that stimulate our minds to the point of becoming potentially addicting. Children are particularly susceptible to this and can have a difficult time living in the present moment when they’re used to getting dopamine spikes through interacting with a device.
Consider investing in things like screen timers and protective shields to minimize the glare that you stare into. Shop through an awesome selection of protective products to go with your screens and other forms of tech.
The Negative Effects of Screen Time
Knowing the negative effects of screen time can help you make the right decisions on your tech use. Technology is wonderful, but you must learn the best ways to put it into its place. Do your due diligence so that you can protect your health and mind each day.
Use us as a resource whenever you’d like to learn more about the benefits and potential risks of today’s technology.