Imagine sitting down for dinner with your family, but instead of lively discussions, there's silence, disrupted only by the sound of phones. This isn't a scene from a dystopian film; it's becoming a reality in many New Zealand homes, and homes around the world. At Digital Discipline, we've been sounding the alarm on how our devices are stealing precious moments from us.
Our feasibility study among 16-24 year olds here in New Zealand reveals that the average youth spends over 6 hours daily on their devices, often intruding into family time. But it's more than just time lost; it's about the emotional disconnection that follows. We've seen children missing out on learning essential social skills, like reading body language or engaging in heartfelt conversations, because they're too distracted by screens.
The emotional cost is significant. Young people we've interviewed express feelings of loneliness despite being 'connected'. They're living in digital bubbles, missing out on real human connections. Parents, you feel this too - the guilt when you see your family more engaged with screens than with each other.
This year, let's take actionable steps towards reclaiming our family time. How about setting up tech-free zones in your home, like the dining area, where everyone's focus is on each other, not on screens? Inspired by our 828 Sundays initiative, why not schedule regular disconnects from technology to rediscover interests and connect genuinely with your loved ones?
Jonathan Haidt, reflecting on technology's impact on youth, has noted in his book "The Coddling of the American Mind", "We are raising the first generation of young people who are growing up with smartphones. We must be careful about the unintended consequences on their social development."
Let's make 2025 the year we truly reconnect with our families, not just through likes and shares, but through laughter, stories, and shared moments.
Reference:
Haidt, J. (2020). The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure. Penguin Books.
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