Teenage internet and social media use reaches historic high
Ask a 15-year-old how much time they spend on social media. The answer you'll often get:
“Pretty much all day," said a Halifax teenager, who added that she uses multiple social media apps like Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.
None of this surprises digital anthropologist Giles Crouch.
"These are all high paced fast moving forms of content, and short form as well,” said Crouch.
A recent survey of U.S. teenagers found nearly half reported using the internet almost constantly. The survey also found that platforms like Youtube and TikTok are the most popular with teens.
According to Crouch, online apps, by design, target teenage dopamine receptors.
"It is like in our food, we want salt and sugar and when it comes to technology and social media, these apps are designed to hit our dopamine," said Crouch. "Teenage brains are different from adult brain chemistry and these apps are trying to hit the teenage brains where they are very susceptible.”
Psychologist Simon Sherry said when screen time goes up, other lifestyle habits go down.
“Reading is on the decline and television consumption is on the decline,” said Sherry, who added excessive screen time for young people brings numerous mental health risks like depression, loneliness and distractibility.
“Screen time can become a problem when it starts to displace things in your life," said Sherry. "When you are spending more time on screen than at the gym, at a park or real time social interaction.”
Sherry said education for young people is crucial.
“They need to be aware of surveillance capitalism being a part of screen time," said Sherry. "Some of the best and greatest scientists and business people in the world are dedicated to capturing their attention on screen.”
Crouch pointed out that there are some upsides that go with these trends, noting that social media played a critical role in maintaining friendships during the pandemic.
“This was a global pandemic where we had to use internet and social media," said Crouch. "We were able to find that social connection that we desperately need.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Thieves use stolen forklift to rip cash machine out of U.K. bank
Police in the U.K. are searching for a group of suspects seen on video using a forklift to steal a cash machine from a bank.
'There was a lot of black smoke': Crane operator sounds alarm while trapped during highrise fire in Halifax
A tower crane operator alerted emergency crews after noticing a fire on a construction site in Halifax Tuesday morning.