Experts Are Split On Whether The Internet Access Is Bad For Mental Health And Here's Why

It is a challenging and uncertain time for discourse about the internet. On the one hand, recent developments like artificial intelligence have led to a kind of aversion to digital screen time, especially since we now know just how much of the internet and social media algorithms are artificially fuelled by emotions like hate and anger. On the other hand, recent cases seem to suggest that taking away this technology isn’t leading to any benefits either.

As a parent, many eyes are on Jonathan Haidt. The author of ‘The Anxious Generation’ is currently the leading voice advocating for more awareness of the effects of smartphone technology amongst children and teens. However, as many US states move to actually enforce these bans, the science is actually showing that we aren’t seeing the mental health benefits that we are expecting.

What Is The Central DIlemma Behind This Split?

Firstly, the context behind these experts’ opinions is important to consider. Several schools in the US are starting to enforce a ban on smartphones on the campus grounds. The main reasons cited behind why is a substantive body of data from the past decade that shows that mental illnesses like depression and anxiety have been shooting up around the same time that smartphone usage became widely accepted.

Jonathan Haidt was one of the first to point out this correlation in his book, as mentioned before, however, psychological experts are still unsure if smart phones are to blame.

Dr, Michael Rich, the founder behind the Digital Wellness Lab, has pointed out that Haidt and many of those who agree with him are ignoring the positives of the Internet to push a narrative. Children are learning to connect with people over greater distances and to understand a greater variety of cultures beyond their own.

The Effect of Smart Phones in Schools

However, the biggest point of contention is the association between age and mental illness. Smartphone bans on campuses so far have shown fantastic results in terms of disciplining children. There’s less disruption in classrooms and students are able to focus on their assignments better.

However, there’s no visible difference in how it affects their mental health. Smartphones may potentially be accelerating symptoms, however, what it shows is that there are a lot of other environmental factors contributing to the rise in anxiety and depression.