A report from Tribune Online outlines five key ways excessive screen time affects cognitive development, emotional health, physical well-being, sleep quality, and brain structure.
Prolonged exposure to digital devices may be altering how people think, feel, and function, according to a report from TRIBUNE ONLINE. The publication highlights five significant ways excessive screen time affects overall well-being.
According to the report, the key effects are:
1. Impaired Cognitive & Language Development in Children:
Children in Nigeria exposed to long hours of passive screen use miss out on vital caregiver interaction needed for language skills, problem-solving, creative thinking, and later academic performance.
2. Mood, Depression, and Cognitive Strain:
Heavy screen or social media use is linked to loneliness, anxiety, depression, cyberbullying, digital comparison, and weakened real-life social connection.
3. Reduced Physical Activity & Brain-Body Effects:
Sitting still for long periods contributes to elevated BMI, poor muscular strength, increased waist-to-hip ratio, higher blood pressure, and reduced blood flow to the brain, leading to fatigue and mood instability.
4. Cognitive Declines Linked to Night-Time Screen Use:
Bright light from phones and TVs blocks melatonin production, resulting in poor sleep, weaker focus, forgetfulness, and slower thinking.
5. Thinning of the Brain’s Outer Layer:
Studies show adults aged 18–25 who spend long hours on screens may experience thinning of the cerebral cortex, the region responsible for memory, focus, and problem-solving.