Have you ever thought about the effects of screen time on your mind? As a student, I have already experienced the effects of eye strain, fatigue and behavior disregulation.
Eye strain is one of the first symptoms of excessive screen time. It typically occurs after using a screen for more than two hours and leads to discomfort, headaches, and eye pain. I had eye strain after completing a significant amount of homework on my tablet. Over three days of extended work sessions, I began to notice persistent eye fatigue, which negatively impacted my eyes. Eye strain can be prevented by resting your eyes for twenty seconds every twenty minutes.
Fatigue is another common symptom of screen use. This symptom typically depends on the screen brightness; the less bright the screen, the lower the risk of fatigue. When I did homework with a lower screen brightness, I felt less tired. However, regardless of brightness, excessive screen time for months at a time has a detrimental effect on eyesight. Crucially, there is no way to improve worsened eyesight. The only way to slow it down is by limiting screen usage. In my experience, my eyesight has not decreased significantly. However, I sometimes experience periods of blurry vision after I overuse my devices.
One of extended screen time’s most alarming effects is behavior disregulation, or difficulty controlling your emotions. This is common in adolescents and children. Excessive screen time can negatively impact emotional regulation, leading to frustration and anger. Although these symptoms are less common in adults, it can still affect individuals..
Extended periods of screen time should be as minimized as possible. When long screen consumption is unavoidable, taking small breaks every twenty minutes will reduce the impact on your eyes. Even if your eyesight has already been affected, limiting screen time will help you prevent further deterioration. Finally, reducing screen usage can help you control your emotions. Limiting screen time will allow you to live a healthier and happier life.