Last week, we learned that NBC’s “Today Show” in the USA featured a segment on the impact of screen time on kids and the influence of social media and technology (1). We were unaware of this show until it was brought it to our attention. As our followers know, we are always on the lookout for well-researched information related to how social media and technology can have a positive or negative effect on a youth’s emotional, psychological, physical, and social well-being. We believed that this show might offer further insights and resources that could be beneficial for our audience, and it was – but not in a way that you would expect.
Having watched the above-mentioned segment on the Today Show, all we can say is, “Wow!” Unfortunately, the discussions in this show lacked balance. The “experts” primarily highlighted the negative aspects of technology and social media, without acknowledging any of the positives associated with youth and their use of technology (2). There was also a glaring absence of any mention of the many evidence-based research studies that do not support the prevailing theme and messages conveyed in the show. We’ve written an article that highlights some of this opposing research that you can find here (3).
With the current mental health challenges that today’s youth face, it’s no surprise that many parents and advocacy groups tend to point their finger at technology as the primary culprit, as it aligns with their existing beliefs and narratives. The Today Show reaches an audience of approximately 2.76 million viewers (4), making it clear how their one-sided narrative could easily become viral and further buttress the negative beliefs of many parents and caregivers have about technology and youth.
We want to clarify that we do not claim that technology and social media have no impact on some youth. As Dr. Pete Etchells, a highly respected researcher in this field, wisely stated, “Instead of asking, does social media use cause mental health issues, perhaps a better question might be: why do some people prosper online while others get into real difficulty?” We wholeheartedly agree with this perspective and there is some good research currently underway looking at this question.
It’s unfortunate that the Today Show did not include other experts such as Dr. Candace Odgers, Co-Director of the Child and Brain Development program in the United States (5), to share her insights on this issue, as she did in a debate that we strongly recommend you listen to online (6). What made this debate noteworthy was that Dr. Odgers was debating with Jim Steyer, the founder and CEO of Common Sense Media, who shared many of the viewpoints presented in the Today Show segment that inspired this blog article. After watching and listening to this debate, you will appreciate how good research mutes many of the moral panic-based opinions being voiced.
The portrayal of the impact of technology and social media on our youth is a complex issue with diverse perspectives. As parents, it’s vital for us to critically examine the information we encounter, seeking a balanced understanding of the topic. We should consider the wealth of research available, the varied experiences of our children, and the expert opinions that promote thoughtful reflection. The “Today Show” segment serves as a reminder of the importance of not succumbing to moral panic but instead engaging in open, informed discussions about how technology can both challenge and empower our children. Let’s continue to explore this issue with an open mind, aiming to support our youth in navigating the onlife world responsibly and positively.
We encourage you to explore the full spectrum of perspectives and research to form a more informed opinion on this important matter, this is something that we strive for here at the White Hatter with all our material. As we like to say, “let’s enlighten and not frighten through facts and not fear!”
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
References:
1/ https://www.today.com/video/how-screens-and-phones-can-impact-a-child-s-mental-health-196047429741
5/ https://cifar.ca/research-programs/child-brain-development/
