Too much time on our screens?
In Switzerland, adults spend an average of 2 hours 30 minutes a day on their smartphone, a figure that rises to 4 hours among 12-19 year-olds. While screens have become an integral part of our daily lives, the question remains: at what point does their use become problematic?
With the expertise of Niels Weber, a psychologist and psychotherapist specializing in hyperconnectivity, we take a look at the risks of screen overconsumption and how to regain control.
Screen addiction or hyperconnectivity?
We often talk about "screen addiction", but according to Niels Weber, this term is not always appropriate.
Unlike addictive substances, screen use does not cause severe withdrawal symptoms. However, digital platforms have developed powerful retention mechanisms: notifications, infinite scrolling, personalized recommendations... So many strategies designed to capture our attention and keep us online for longer.
When does screen use become a problem?
Screens become a problem when their use causes suffering. This suffering can be :
- Personal: feelings of guilt, excessive procrastination, lack of satisfaction after an online session.
- Social: isolation, family conflicts or feelings of absence on the part of loved ones.
- Physical: lack of sleep, excessive sedentary lifestyle, visual fatigue.
The real problem? It's not how much time we spend in front of the screen, but what it prevents us from doing. When we're neglecting school, work or personal obligations, it's time to readjust our use.
Is hyperconnectivity a symptom of another problem?
According to Niels Weber, excessive screen use can be a response to underlying stress or anxiety.
Imagine a student who spends long hours on social networks instead of studying for exams. Is it simply the lure of the platforms that holds him back, or is he unconsciously trying to escape the stress of his studies? In this case, the screen becomes a tool of avoidance, offering him temporary relief from his anxiety. In the long term, however, this habit can prove counter-productive, compromising his preparation and academic results.
The repercussions of hyperconnectivity
Its effects are mainly indirect. Prolonged sitting and lack of physical activity can have a negative impact on health. Ideally, we should make sure we've satisfied our basic needs - such as moving, eating and fulfilling our responsibilities - before spending time on screens, whether playing games or surfing social networks.
3 tips for regaining control
- Working as a team: set common goals, within your family or couple. This allows you to have an outsider to bring you back to reality, and avoids the pressure of having to limit yourself.
- Set an intention: choose when you log on and what you want to achieve. For example: checking out your friends' stories or catching up on the news. Avoid recommended content, which is designed to arouse curiosity.
- Set a timer: Most social networks offer the option of momentarily blocking access after a set period of time.
Conclusion towards a balanced use of screens
Hyperconnectivity is not inevitable. The aim is not to banish screens, but to use them in a more conscious and balanced way.
The right thing to do? Check that our obligations and essential needs come before the digital world. And if they don't, it may be time to adjust our habits.
Further reading: "Les écrans, je gère!", Niels Weber, Éditions Magenta, 2023