{"id":33688,"date":"2025-11-24T08:23:06","date_gmt":"2025-11-24T13:23:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legroupemaurice.com\/?p=33688"},"modified":"2025-11-24T08:23:06","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T13:23:06","slug":"screen-addiction-what-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legroupemaurice.com\/en\/articles\/screen-addiction-what-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Screen addiction: what you need to know"},"content":{"rendered":"

Did you know that today, <\/strong>94% of Quebecers<\/strong><\/a> have a smartphone, a computer, a tablet, or a connected watch? Digital devices\u00a0\u2013\u00a0and their screens\u00a0\u2013\u00a0are 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 \u2018screen addiction\u2019.<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The upsides of screens<\/h2>\n

Access to information<\/h3>\n

Although screens frequently raise concerns, it\u2019s important to note that they also offer benefits. Access to information<\/strong>, for instance, fosters curiosity, cultural enrichment and independence. In 2025, close to 38 million Canadians use the Internet<\/a> to follow local and international news, look up health information remotely, and much more.<\/p>\n

For many people, this platform has become essential\u00a0\u2013\u00a0so long as they maintain critical thinking <\/strong>toward the news and vary the sources they rely on.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Socializing and staying connected<\/h3>\n

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. <\/strong><\/p>\n

According to a study in the Journal of Medical Internet Research<\/em><\/a>, having access to online communities, support forums or helplines may even contribute to reducing isolation, depression and anxiety.<\/p>\n

Cognitive stimulation and learning<\/h3>\n

Note that screens can also feed the mind<\/strong>. A study published in Medicine\/Sciences<\/em> demonstrated that \u201cvideo games are becoming more and more appropriate for cognitive training\u201d <\/em>and that \u201caction games, whether online, on mobile devices or on consoles, are especially cognitively stimulating.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Likewise, learning a language via an application<\/a> 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!<\/p>\n

Promoting and tracking physical activity<\/h3>\n

In addition to cognitive advantages, smartwatches, fitness trackers and tracking applications can transform screens into instruments for motivating and measuring physical activity. <\/strong><\/p>\n

These devices are highly beneficial for those who want to monitor their cardiovascular health, stay in shape and preserve their independence<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>. This demonstrates that, no matter one\u2019s age, these devices provide considerable benefits!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The risks of overusing screens<\/h2>\n

While beneficial, smart devices carry risks<\/strong>. Extended time in front of screens may lead to negative long-term consequences<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

When screens replace what\u2019s \u201creal\u201d<\/h3>\n

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, \u201creal\u201d conversations with family and friends become less frequent, more superficial and emotional engagement declines<\/a>. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as phubbing<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Screen-induced stress<\/h3>\n

For some, setting aside and distancing themselves from their phone can be a significant source of stress<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n

Known as FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), this phenomenon compels us to repeatedly check<\/strong> 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Cyber insecurity<\/h3>\n

Let\u2019s also keep in mind the dangers associated with the digital world! Cyberbullying<\/strong> and cyberharassment<\/strong> can impact anyone, from youth to older adults<\/a>, who may find themselves exposed to hostile or manipulative actions on the internet.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Effects on physical health<\/h3>\n

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<\/a>:<\/p>\n