
Is Screen Addiction the Hidden Crisis Uniting Generations?
2025-06-26
Author: Jia
A Wake-Up Call on Youth Mental Health
Wharton psychologist and former Pentagon advisor Adam Grant has spotlighted a pressing issue in our digital age—youth mental health concerns linked to technology use. According to a recent JAMA Health study, it’s not just the time spent on screens that poses risks but the inability to control that use.
The Real Culprit: Compulsive Screen Use
Grant took to X (formerly Twitter) to share shocking findings from the study titled "Addictive Screen Use Trajectories and Suicidal Behaviors, Suicidal Ideation, and Mental Health in US Youths." This comprehensive research tracked youth behavior over four years, revealing that children grappling with addictive technology habits exhibited heightened signs of emotional distress, including suicidal thoughts.
Compulsion Over Hours
Emphasizing the importance of addressing compulsive behaviors rather than just screen time, Grant remarked, "We should worry less about time than distress and compulsion." The study found that roughly one-third of children reported escalating addictive use as they grew older, resulting in increased mental health issues.
Echoes of Concern Online
The conversation didn’t stop with kids. Users online began to question if this screen addiction isn’t a broader societal issue. One commenter insightfully stated, "Would love to see this same lens applied to adult behavior," highlighting an ongoing debate regarding how technology impacts all age groups.
The Bigger Implications
The findings indicate a shift in how we view addiction in a digitally dominated world. It’s not merely about hours logged on devices, but rather the underlying loss of control. Grant suggests that this is a critical moment for parents and policymakers to reassess their approaches to technology use.
A Shared Crisis?
While the research targets youth, it’s evident that many adults share similar struggles with compulsive screen habits. As one online observer put it, "Are we sure it’s just kids struggling with control?" It’s time we acknowledge that this issue transcends generations.
Looking Beyond the Screens
In Grant’s view, the challenge is not just about curbing screen time, but about recognizing and managing the emotional triggers that drive compulsive behavior. Perhaps it's time for all of us to evaluate our relationship with technology and its impact on our mental well-being.