The digital dilemma. Counting the costs of excessive screen time

Wajeeh Ahmed  Khan; Rooma Rehan; Umar Mahmood; Muhammad Sohaib Khan

doi:10.55225/hppa.599

Authors

Wajeeh Ahmed Khan Dow University of Health Sciences, Dow Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5378-0713
Rooma Rehan Dow University of Health Sciences, Dow Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5875-9795
Umar Mahmood Dow University of Health Sciences, Dow Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4080-5708
Muhammad Sohaib Khan Dow University of Health Sciences, Dow Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1906-2709

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55225/hppa.599

Keywords:

Digital devices, Human health, Physical health, Mental health, Screen time

Abstract

The LTE investigates the health-related costs and implications of prolonged screen use, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the detrimental effects of excessive screen exposure on physical and mental health, highlighting increased risks of obesity, sleep disorders, and depression. The study reveals that unmanaged symptoms of excessive screen time led to an estimated $151 billion loss in the US health system, worker well-being, and productivity in 2023. It underscores the importance of adopting healthy digital habits and responsible screen use to mitigate these adverse effects. Additionally, the letter emphasizes the broader economic and health impacts of uncontrolled screen time, which could influence legislative decisions and promote behavioral changes for a healthier digital future.

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References

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