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New Culture Forum

We're MAD To Give Our Children Smart Phones. It's CHILD ABUSE. Juliet Samuel

Dec 15, 2024
Juliet Samuel, a Times journalist known for her insights into technology and society, dives deep into the epidemic of smartphone addiction, likening it to substance abuse. She reveals how these devices foster compulsive behavior, particularly among children, and highlights the alarming link to declining mental health. Samuel discusses the need for regulatory measures and advocates for a mindful approach to news consumption to combat anxiety. She calls for societal change and stricter regulations on smartphone usage, particularly for minors.
29:49

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Smartphones create addictive patterns similar to drugs, leading to compulsive usage and significant declines in cognitive abilities for both adults and children.
  • The rise of smartphone use among children is associated with increased anxiety, depression, and self-harm, highlighting the urgent need for societal change in technology interactions.

Deep dives

The Rise of Smartphone Addiction

Smartphone and social media addiction has become a pervasive issue affecting adults and children globally. Many individuals are finding themselves spending excessive hours on their phones, leading to negative consequences such as sleep deprivation, decreased quality family time, and reduced cognitive abilities. This addiction is often compared to substance addictions, with the distinction that smartphones provide a universal appeal, making it challenging for even casual users to avoid overuse. The phenomenon resembles a widespread societal issue that rarely receives the attention it warrants, despite its significant impact on daily life.

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