Alarming study: Digital media endangers young people in the long term!

Alarming study: Digital media endangers young people in the long term!

In today's digital world, smartphones and social media have become an integral part of everyday life. Young people in particular have thrown themselves completely into virtual reality. According to a recent Postbank study Young people between the ages of 16 and 18 already spend around ten hours a day online - that's an hour and a half more than in 2023. This alarming development brings with it considerable risks for physical and mental health, as the renowned brain researcher Prof. Manfred Spitzer made clear in a lecture in Stralsund.

Spitzer warns of the dangers of excessive media use and speaks of an impending “digital dementia”. He believes the digital world lacks repetition, context and relevance, which are crucial for effective learning. A study by the Karolinska Institute confirmed his concerns: digital media in the classroom does not promote learning, as he explained. Spitzer also sees support for the cell phone ban in Hessian schools, which comes into force in August, as necessary - but he criticizes a lack of information about the consequences of media consumption.

Health risks from digital media

Studies show that a significant proportion of young people, around one in four, show signs of cell phone addiction. Prof. Spitzer listed several negative effects of cell phone use: poor posture, myopia, increased blood pressure and impairments in cognitive, emotional and linguistic intelligence. Concerned parents report difficulties controlling their children's media consumption. The Ministry of Education has also reacted to this and recommends that cell phones be left out as much as possible in grades one to nine.

In addition, an investigation describes Vital region, that extreme use of digital media not only affects learning, but can also cause psychological and physical problems in young people. Children and adolescents are more affected by depression, anxiety disorders, sleep disorders and attention deficits. All of this often results from constant comparison with others on social media, cyberbullying and sensory overload from digital content.

A generation trapped online

In terms of social impact, a WHO study shows that 11% of young people exhibit problematic behavior when using social media. The higher problem rate among girls is particularly noticeable: they express their feelings and relationships more via social media, while 36% of young people say they are constantly online. This also has negative effects, including lack of sleep and reduced social interaction. Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge from the WHO emphasizes the need to strengthen media literacy among young people in schools and families.

The recommendations for prevention are clear: media time for younger children should be limited to a maximum of one hour per day, active media education by parents is essential, and digital breaks and offline time should be encouraged. It is time to raise awareness of the dangers of the digital world and encourage us to take active countermeasures.

The event in Stralsund, which was attended by teachers, doctors and various support associations, shows that the topic has widespread support in society. Joint efforts are needed to protect youth from the potential consequences of excessive media use and to create a healthy digital environment.