Let’s talk about screen time

Today, digital devices play a huge role in our lives. It seems like everything we do, from our work to our leisure activities and even our relationships, is influenced by technology. We would never bake a cake without first searching for the recipe, and an appointment isn’t real until it’s on our online schedule. There is no doubt that we spend a lot of time in front of screens. The question is: How much time is a lot? The precise number will surprise you, often more significant than you expected.

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In the United States, the average time spent in front of screens is 7 hours and 4 minutes, according to DateReportal. Our phone time is almost equal to our sleep time, which is shocking. Compared to the time you devote to other activities during the day, it occupies a considerable portion of your day.

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Countries around the world differ on the average time spent on screen. Some European countries, such as the UK, have a lower average, closer to 6 hours. Other countries have much higher averages, such as South Africa, which is over ten and a half hours.

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Regardless of where you live, you probably use digital devices (you’re unlikely to read this from a paper brochure on the street). Therefore, you should ask yourself if you are spending your time wisely. Imagine you stopped using digital devices, and suddenly had seven free hours per day, do you know all you could do? Here are some things that can be done if you devote seven hours to them:

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Ride a bike from New York to Wilmington.

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Read the entire Harry Potter saga in a month.

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Make 14 cakes per day, cooking them on average of 30 min.

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Enroll to one of our courses and rest for 4 hours.

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However, we know that eliminating digital devices completely isn’t possible, nor is it the only solution. We can learn how to use them so that screen time does not negatively impact our mental and physical health. There are many factors that will influence that.

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According to the Digital Flourishing™  model, individuals may have different optimal amounts of screen time per day. Finding the right digital balance is key if you want to spend  your time in a way that fits your life and aligns with your goals. The idea is to maximize the benefits of technology while minimizing its downsides. It is only then that you will be able to decide whether the time you are spending on technology is aligned with your goals.

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We tend to be more aware of other people than ourselves most of the time. For example, a friend using their phone in a meeting, your family at home, or your partner who takes the computer wherever they go. Even people looking at their phones on the subway. Unfortunately, it’s hard to see that you probably do the same things.

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Measuring the time you spend on digital devices is more powerful than you think. By not being aware of how you spend your time, you risk ignoring whether you’re doing it well or not. Due to this, it’s important to know two things about digital devices: For how long and for what purposes you use them. Is it time spent on your desktop or your phone? Are you using that time for working or on Social Media Apps? Once you realize this, you will be able to determine whether you are using screens in a way that makes your life better.  

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When done excessively and compulsively, it compromises your health. Digital wellness is achieved by using technology in a responsible way, aligned with your goals and health aspirations. It is a process for which you’ll have to nurture your flexibility. The ideal time will depend on your expectations and objectives. Also, this can change over time depending on the situation in which you find yourself. Because of this, it is important to have a flexible relationship with technology, aiming to use it effectively.

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At the Digital Wellness Institute we want to help you evaluate and redefine the use of technology in your life. Based on your Digital Flourishing evaluation, you will receive recommendations for personalized courses to help you improve making conscious choices about the amount of time that we spent in front of any screen, in order to be able to Flourish. In our Digital Wellness 101 Mini Course you will find the way to establish a healthier relationship with your digital devices.

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SOCIAL MEDIA

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Instagram stories:

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Questions to analyze your screen time average:

• According to you, which one is the average in the United States? (instagram trivia)
• Are you aware of how much time you spend in front of a screen?
• Are you above average or below average?
• Spending that much time in front of a screen makes you feel productive?

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Instagram post

• How much screen time is okay?

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There is no doubt that we spend a lot of time in front of screens. In the United States, the average is 7 hours and 4 minutes, according to DateReportal. This is a considerable portion of your day, and often more significant than you expected.

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It’s important to know two things about digital devices: For how long and for what purposes you use them. Is it time spent on your desktop or your phone? Are you using that time for working or on Social Media Apps? Once you realize this, you will be able to determine whether you are using screens in a way that makes your life better.  

• What is the ideal amount of screen time for me?

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According to the Digital Flourishing™ model, individuals may have different optimal amounts of screen time per day. Finding the right digital balance is key if you want to spend  your time in a way that fits your life and aligns with your goals. The idea is to maximize the benefits of technology while minimizing its downsides.

‍

From the Digital Wellness Institute we want to help you evaluate and redefine the use of technology in your life. Based on your Digital Flourishing evaluation, you will receive recommendations for personalized courses to help you improve making conscious choices about the amount of time that we spent in front of any screen, in order to be able to Flourish. In our Digital Wellness 101 Mini Course you will find the way to establish a healthier relationship with your digital devices. (https://www.digitalwellnessinstitute.com/dw-101)