Showcase Magazine Summer 2023 (3) - Flipbook - Page 13
PERSONAL
DEVELOPMENT
Digital Technology and
its Impact on Well-Being
Ofcom have conducted a study into the ‘life online for children and young adults’, aimed to look at the
relationship young people have with online content and digital media and its impact on mental and physical wellbeing. The study found several interesting outcomes:
Split-screening is on the rise, and
dramatic, short-form videos are the
most popular on social media.
Young people people are
encouraged to take regular social
media breaks
96% of 3-17 year olds watch videos
and 80% of 16-17 year olds watch
live-streamed content. YouTube is
the most popular video-sharing
site.
89% of older teens seek out wellbeing support in online content, for
example websites, apps, and
videos supporting relaxation,
improving mood, aiding sleep,
managing anxiety, tracking heath
and fitness etc.
This interesting research highlights the prevalence of social media and digital technology in everyday life, especially
amongst young people. There are undoubtedly positive and negative impacts of this as media can be used both for
good and for bad influences, and a balance whilst using it is incredibly important to consider. However, this balance
requires education to understand how it can be obtained, and by sharing best practice and liaising with peers we can
gain knowledge and ideas for using the internet to our advantage and benefit. Here are 5 simple ways to help you find a
healthy balance when using your mobile phone to access digital media:
Set aside phone-free time every day and every week. Put your phone in a drawer or somewhere you are unlikely to
be distracted by it to give your eyes and mind a break.
Practice mindfulness when using your phone, and put it away when you do not need it. By focusing on your phone
when using it, you can make sure you are purposefully optimising your time on it without distractions. That means
when you are finished you can put it away and concentrate your energy on the task you are doing instead without
mindless scrolling. You will also be able to engage with those around you much more easily and meaningfully.
Avoid using your phone before bed. The blue light of your screen can impact negatively on your sleep quality, and
too much digital content before going to bed can stimulate too much brain activity to properly rest.
Check your phone less regularly and turn off notifications where possible. This can help stop you being distracted
by your phone in the first place, and using apps such as Mute and Hold can help you monitor your screen-time.
Turning off push notifications from apps such as news apps can help contribute positively towards managing
mental illness such as anxiety.
Use apps on your phone to motivate you to complete exercise and eat healthily. Use your phone to help you get
outside and moving, and to ensure you are drinking enough water and eating the right balance of food. Be mindful
though of excessive use of fitness and food tracking apps as they can be addictive and lead to mental health
difficulties. Make sure you take regular breaks and speak to your GP or a mental health professional if you are at all
concerned.
|
Showcase Training 13
Source: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/news-centre/2023/life-online-for-children-and-young-adults-revealed.