AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
The Dissenter
#993 Peter Etchells - Unlocked: The Real Science of Screen Time (and how to spend it better)
Sep 13, 2024
Peter Etchells, a Professor of Psychology and Science Communication at Bath Spa University, dives into the complex world of screen time. He addresses societal fears surrounding new technologies and their real effects on mental health and sleep. Etchells emphasizes the importance of balancing the positive and negative aspects of screen use, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of individual experiences. He critiques the simplification of digital addiction and promotes mindful engagement with technology, highlighting the need for better design from tech companies.
01:22:41
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Moral panics surrounding new technologies often stem from a lack of understanding their impacts, repeating historical cycles of anxiety over media.
- Understanding screen time requires distinguishing between different activities, as not all screen usage is harmful or beneficial in the same context.
Deep dives
Understanding Moral Panics Around Technology
Concerns surrounding new digital technologies often lead to moral panics, periods during which society reacts fearfully to innovations such as social media and smartphones. These panics can arise from a lack of understanding about the technology and its impacts, combined with a tendency to view disruptive changes with suspicion. Historically, similar concerns have been voiced over various platforms like television and video games, demonstrating a repeating cycle of anxiety over new media. As these technologies become entrenched in society, it is vital to critically evaluate their effects rather than succumb to generalized fears.
Get the Snipd
podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any
moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share
& Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode