Latest news with #ComputersinHumanBehavior
Hindustan Times
15-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Are you worried about your teen's screen habits? Study says you should be
Most parents are concerned about their children's screen habits. From endless scrolling on phones to binge-watching content, teens can easily slip into screen addiction. But there's more to worry about. A recent study led by Emma Duerden at Western University in Canada found that teens who spend more than two hours a day on screens during weekdays are at a higher risk of developing anxiety and behavioral issues. Also read | Screens and teens: Loneliness to obsessive thoughts, how screen addiction affects their mental health Interestingly, the study revealed that it wasn't just the amount of screen time that influenced anxiety levels—even teens without any prior symptoms showed a noticeable increase. What mattered more was how they were using their screens. The study, published in Computers in Human Behavior, analysed 580 adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17. Researchers found that passive social media use, such as mindless scrolling and consuming content without interaction, had a stronger link to mental health issues than other types of screen activities. Screen time among teens surged during the COVID-19 lockdown, as many turned to social media to stay connected and combat feelings of isolation. However, even after restrictions eased, those habits persisted, and in many cases, worsened. Doomscrolling, the habit of passively consuming content by endlessly scrolling through social media without actively engaging through comments or posts, has emerged as a significant contributor to anxiety among teens. Researchers noted that this behavior negatively impacts adolescent mental health by encouraging harmful social comparisons and reinforcing feelings of low self-esteem, inadequacy, envy, anxiety, and depression. The constant exposure to curated, often idealised content can distort reality and leave teens feeling disconnected or not good enough. Also read | Expert shares how to know if you are addicted to your phone, 4 tips to reduce screentime Emma Duerden, who led the study, in a statement said, 'In past studies, we've shown some teens reporting 15 hours of screen time a day. They wake up, go on a screen and stay the whole day. But reducing cell phone use is easier said than done. I think cell phone bans in schools are key. Getting outside and being part of the real world is also important. We all just need to take a break from our phones for our mental and overall well-being.' In an earlier interview with HT lifestyle, Urvashi Musale, child and teen behavioural expert and founder of ProParent said, 'Effective coping mechanisms to combat screen addiction can include mindfulness practices, digital detox, and seeking support from mental health professionals. Implementing screen time limits, promoting healthy tech usage in families, and raising awareness about screen addiction are essential preventive measures.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
These are the most common insecurities fueling your dating app obsession
Are you constantly swiping? This may be why. Dating apps have become the go-to platform for people looking for love — but for some, it's fueling insecurities and enabling bad habits. A new study, published in Computers in Human Behavior, revealed the common insecurities that could be fueling your dating app obsession. People who are insecure about their looks, anxious about being in social settings and constantly think they're being rejected are more likely to use dating apps in a problematic way. The research, conducted with over 5,400 young adults aged 18 to 35 in Taiwan, aimed to understand how certain psychological traits influence the way individuals interact with dating apps. With millions of users worldwide, these platforms are more than just a casual means to meet new people—they're increasingly shaping the way young people present themselves and form relationships. But, as this study suggests, there's a dark side to hiding behind a screen. Researchers found that individuals who experienced high levels of anxiety — specifically about their appearance, social settings and rejection — tended to view dating apps as a helpful tool for self-presentation and relationship-building. Because these users are often uncomfortable with face-to-face interactions and worried about their appearance, they are drawn to the relative safety and control of their dating app profile. Dating apps allow them to curate their image and engage with others in a way that feels less intimidating. Many participants in the study said that these apps made it easier to form connections — especially those with higher levels of anxiety. While these perceived benefits may sound positive, they come with unexpected dangers. Singles with higher levels of anxiety were also more likely to have problematic habits when using dating apps — like compulsively checking their messages, constantly re-evaluating their profiles, or excessively focusing on potential rejections. These people were also more likely to report feelings of frustration or distress when their interactions on dating apps didn't go as planned. In the worst cases, these users could develop unhealthy relationships with the apps, using them to avoid real-world social interactions, which would in turn deepen their fear of rejection. Overall, anxious individuals do seem to benefit from the ability to manage their image and relationships digitally, making social connections easier. However, their vulnerabilities — especially rejection sensitivity— can lead to excessive reliance on these platforms, which may ultimately harm their mental health, well-being and ability to connect IRL. Young adulthood is a critical period for developing social skills and emotional resilience, making Gen Z and millennials particularly susceptible to the consequences of using dating apps in a problematic way.
