When does screen time become too much? Experts weigh in

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) -Phones in pockets, televisions playing in the background, and social media feeds within reach have become part of daily routines. Experts say there is a point where that connection can become too much.

Daniel McDowell, director of recovery services at Centerstone, said research suggests people should reconsider their use of technology.

“The research suggests that we should probably take a step back from our use of technology because, especially when you’re talking about social media, when you engage with social media and when it engages back with you, it releases dopamine into your brain,” McDowell said.

McDowell said technology provides an ongoing amount of content that is easily accessible, and that extended use can begin to interfere with daily life.

“If you find yourself scrolling on social media or watching endless short videos, instead of going out to an agreed-upon gathering of friends, a game night, or maybe missing out on a hobby or taking a trip, and you’re just not finding the energy to interact with other people or interact with the world outside of your phone, then it’s probably a sign that that’s where your brain is trying to crave that interaction,” McDowell said.

Dr. Curtis Schreiber, medical director for the Missouri Memory Center and a neurologist at Citizens Memorial Hospital, has traded screen time for cycling, riding 100,000 miles.

“I think the warning comes when the batteries start running low, and you’re thinking, I better recharge because I’ve been on this so long that it’s time to plug in again. I’m out of juice. If your device is out of juice, your body is running out of juice. I think that would be a good indicator that it’s time to power up the body and power down the electronics,” Schreiber said.

McDowell said stepping away, or taking a digital detox, can help people evaluate the media they consume and whether it is affecting their lives.

“Digital media detox is part of it; it’s giving ourselves the tools to take an inventory about how much we’re consuming media, how much we’re using technology, and being able to have that conversation, at least with ourselves,” McDowell said.

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