Saturday, January 10, 2009

Is the Digital Lifestyle a Deadly One?

This digital lifestyle we're leading may be a deadly one! Studies show that children who are more exposed to media are more likely to become obese, start smoking, and begin earlier sexual activity. It's also linked to drug and alcohol use, and poorer school performance.
One important finding was that quantity, and not the type of content, is more closely related to negative health outcomes. So it doesn't really matter what a child is watching on TV or what video games he's playing, but more of how much he's watching and playing. And it's the same when it comes to Internet use.
Children and teens have to learn how to limit their TV watching, video game playing, Internet use, and use of other technologies. They have to learn how to deal with social relationships face-to-face because nothing can replicate the experience of being with someone in person.


4 comments:

Gaurav S. said...

Wow, this is a total bummer. So this project we are doing for class is actually increasing our chances of being obese, smoking, and having sex? That doesn't make any sense. I agree that all types of medie (Internet, tv, video games) have some impact on all aspects of our lives, but I would think it would be more determined by the content. Somehow, I don't think Sesame Street promotes sexual activity.

Dickson T said...

I totally agree that nothing beat actual, real-life social interaction with other people. As technology develops, it will never change this fact. Good job and good analysis.

Natasha M. said...

Wow i need to cut down on AIM..

Ryan M. said...

I completely agree with what your saying, these things do end up influencing the minds of the kids. Nice job