Exploring the Impact of Screens on Children's Brains
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Chapter 1: Historical Context of Screen Concerns
In the mid-1950s, parents were convinced that Elvis Presley's dance moves negatively impacted children's academic performance. Fast forward to the 1970s, when concerns over utility lines supposedly scrambled people’s brains. By the late 1990s, there was widespread anxiety about a potential Y2K disaster, which many believed would bring all electronics to a halt.
Today, we face a new source of anxiety: electronic screens, including televisions, computers, and smartphones, which are often blamed for various societal issues.
Section 1.1: The Science Vs Podcast Investigation
In a recent episode of the Gimlet/Spotify podcast "Science Vs," host and science journalist Wendy Zukerman, along with her team of fact-checkers, delves into pressing questions surrounding screen time: How harmful is it for children? Are screens, especially social media, contributing to our unhappiness? Is our constant engagement with screens detrimental to our eyesight?
During this episode, listeners will hear insights from experts, including Brenna Hassinger-Das, an assistant professor of psychology at Pace University who studies children's interactions with screens; Natalie Pennington, a social media researcher at the University of Nevada; and Dr. Maitreyee Roy from the University of New South Wales, who investigates how screen light affects our vision.
The first video examines whether screens are harming children's cognitive abilities and overall well-being.
Section 1.2: Potential Reassurances for Parents
The findings presented by "Science Vs" may offer some reassurance to parents, suggesting that screen time might not significantly impair children's attention and focus. Although there is a rising trend in myopia (nearsightedness), prolonged screen use is likely not the leading cause.
To explore further into the research regarding screen time's effects on both children and adults, LISTEN: HERE.
Chapter 2: Upcoming Topics in Science Vs
This season, "Science Vs" will tackle a variety of intriguing subjects, from cicada swarms to the possibility of extraterrestrial life, and even snake antivenom.
The second video focuses on how to manage children's screen time without turning it into a conflict.
Wendy Zukerman, the host and a prominent science journalist, leads "Science Vs," a podcast that challenges myths and trends with scientific evidence. The series has achieved over 15 million downloads across nearly 100 countries.
Before her tenure at Gimlet, Wendy worked with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and served as the Asia Pacific reporter for New Scientist magazine. She frequently appears on national media in Australia to discuss health, science, and technology, and she also contributes regularly to BBC Radio. Currently, Wendy resides in Brooklyn, New York.
Science Vs host Australian science journalist Wendy Zukerman
Note: Wendy’s Australian accent is included at no extra cost.