602. Is Screen Time as Poisonous as We Think?
Freakonomics Radio
The truth about technology lies in careful measurement, not sensational claims.
Research indicates that the impact of internet technologies on mental health and well-being has been misunderstood. Analysis shows only minor and inconsistent changes in global mental health over the past two decades, challenging the prevailing narrative that technology uniformly harms psychological outcomes. This situation arises from a combination of skepticism towards technology and a lack of robust publicized research compared to sensationalist media coverage. Additionally, many studies suffer from methodological flaws, such as vague definitions of 'screen time' and inconsistent measurements of mental health. Effective measurement practices are essential, as nuances in how mental health is defined and assessed significantly influence the findings. It is crucial for scholars to adopt epistemic humility and clarity in their methodologies to avoid misleading conclusions about the relationship between technology and mental well-being.
