Screen Generation (2020)

Screen Generation, a 2020 documentary, dives into our unprecedented digital era. Born from 2011 onwards, the generation dubbed as “Digital Natives” consumes an unprecedented amount of screen time—a phenomenon echoing across countries, races, and religions.

These young minds, immersed in the glow of smartphones and tablets, spend four to six hours daily in front of screens. But what are the implications?

Toddlers, preschoolers, and kids aged ten and younger clock in more screen time than previous generations. Even teenagers and gamers average six to 13 hours a day. It’s a global trend, transcending borders.

While the long-term effects remain a mystery, early observations raise concerns. Teachers and pediatricians report interactional disorders, language development issues, and learning disruptions.

The more screen exposure, the greater the impact on sleep, attention, and fitness levels.

Young brains, constantly stimulated by media, struggle with focus and concentration. Learning on screen lacks the depth of real-life experiences.

Studies on digital tools’ impact are still young—only seven to ten years old. We await results as these children grow into their teens and twenties.

Recognized as a medical condition since 2018 by the WHO, screen addiction affects both children and adults. Parents, too, perpetuate this cycle by reaching for their gadgets over 200 times a day.

Surprisingly, long-time gamers score higher in attention tests, with improved visual acuity. Gaming technologies aid those with visual, sensory, and memory conditions.

Digital devices aren’t inherently good or bad; it’s how we wield them. For very young children, zero screen time is advisable. While research continues, limiting gadget time remains prudent.

In this ever-evolving world, where screens underpin our lives, Screen Generation serves as a reminder. As we navigate complexities, let’s seek more than just entertainment.