Screen addiction: what you need to know
Did you know that today, 94% of Quebecers have a smartphone, a computer, a tablet, or a connected watch? Digital devices – and their screens – are now everywhere. While they bring entertainment, freedom and relaxation, excessive use can also lead to physical, psychological and social problems. This is the core issue of what we now call ‘screen addiction’.
The upsides of screens
Access to information
Although screens frequently raise concerns, it’s important to note that they also offer benefits. Access to information, for instance, fosters curiosity, cultural enrichment and independence. In 2025, close to 38 million Canadians use the Internet to follow local and international news, look up health information remotely, and much more.
For many people, this platform has become essential – so long as they maintain critical thinking toward the news and vary the sources they rely on.
Socializing and staying connected
For other people, screens serve as a gateway to the world, particularly when distance or limited mobility makes communication difficult. Video calls, instant messages, social networks and interest groups help maintain relationships and nurture a sense of connection.
According to a study in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, having access to online communities, support forums or helplines may even contribute to reducing isolation, depression and anxiety.
Cognitive stimulation and learning
Note that screens can also feed the mind. A study published in Medicine/Sciences demonstrated that “video games are becoming more and more appropriate for cognitive training” and that “action games, whether online, on mobile devices or on consoles, are especially cognitively stimulating.”
Likewise, learning a language via an application appears to be equally advantageous for older adults: a 16-week program demonstrated significant memory enhancements, similar to the gains obtained through conventional brain-training exercises during the same timeframe!
Promoting and tracking physical activity
In addition to cognitive advantages, smartwatches, fitness trackers and tracking applications can transform screens into instruments for motivating and measuring physical activity.
These devices are highly beneficial for those who want to monitor their cardiovascular health, stay in shape and preserve their independence.
While some may see these devices as simple gadgets, a 12-week study involving 40 older adults (average age: 85.4 years) found that wearing smartwatches boosted daily steps by approximately 900 per day. This demonstrates that, no matter one’s age, these devices provide considerable benefits!
The risks of overusing screens
While beneficial, smart devices carry risks. Extended time in front of screens may lead to negative long-term consequences.
When screens replace what’s “real”
Although it facilitates long-distance connection, research has shown that screens can still negatively affect close relationships. According to several experts from Michigan State University, when a digital device monopolizes attention, “real” conversations with family and friends become less frequent, more superficial and emotional engagement declines. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as phubbing.
Screen-induced stress
For some, setting aside and distancing themselves from their phone can be a significant source of stress. Continuous notifications, reward-driven online games, the expectation to be always available, and fear of missing important information keep users in a perpetual state of alertness.
Known as FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), this phenomenon compels us to repeatedly check our phones or social media, undermining our mental tranquillity. The National Institute of Public Health of Quebec (INSPQ) notes that it may even result in attention difficulties, which can lead to various accidents, including on the road.
Cyber insecurity
Let’s also keep in mind the dangers associated with the digital world! Cyberbullying and cyberharassment can impact anyone, from youth to older adults, who may find themselves exposed to hostile or manipulative actions on the internet.
Digital extortion and scams, including fraudulent financial offers or requests through email or messaging apps, are on the rise. Their impact can go far beyond anxiety and distrust, resulting in substantial monetary losses, persistent insecurity and an overwhelming sense of helplessness.
Effects on physical health
This constant connectivity clearly affects more than just mental well-being. The INSPQ reports that extended use of digital devices is linked to actual physical health issues:
- Physical inactivity and weight gain– higher risk of chronic illnesses like obesity or diabetes;
- Sleep issues from blue light– melatonin production is delayed, potentially interfering with sleep onset and reducing sleep quality;
- Vision problems– eye strain, dryness, blurred vision and headaches caused by prolonged screen exposure;
- Musculoskeletal discomfort– chronic stiffness in the back, neck and shoulders, especially from poor computer posture or constantly looking down at a phone;
- Significant effects on children’s brain development– thinning of the cortex and delayed language acquisition in young children.
Helpful tips for overcoming screen addiction
Even with your best intentions, you might find yourself in front of screens longer than expected. But don’t worry! Here are some mindful, balanced practices to help you use digital devices without being overpowered by them.
- Schedule periods without screens: during meals, family time or other gatherings, with no phones or TV;
- Encourage purposeful use: make calls, attend online classes or engage in learning, instead of aimlessly scrolling;
- Set a “digital curfew” before bedtime: lower device brightness and avoid screens an hour prior to sleep;
- Mix in offline activities: walks, reading, chats, aqua fitness or creative workshops to restore focus and keep moving;
- Designate screen-free areas: bedrooms, dining spaces or family events;
- Reflect on your screen use: asking “Why am I using this device?” – whether out of habit, boredom or escape – can help adjust your behaviour.
Upon reflection, using screens is neither wholly positive nor inherently negative. Screens can enhance our lives, stimulate curiosity, foster connection and support health to a degree… yet they may also lead to isolation, tiredness or subtle dependency.
The effects described here are not comprehensive but highlight the key findings observed to date. In the end, it comes down to how we manage our use of digital devices. The aim is to stay in control without overdoing it. And you, how do you strike your own balance with screens?