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Tuesday, 6 October 2026dailybeirut.com
Health
Excessive screen time is associated with mental health issues and obesity, creating a global health burden equivalent to 2.8 million years.
Scientists have warned that excessive use of smartphones and screens may increase the risk of depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and physical inactivity. Prolonged hours spent in front of digital devices often encroach upon time needed for sleep, exercise, and direct social interaction.
A scientific review published in The Lancet identified consistent links between problematic screen use—which can take an addictive form—and various health issues. The analysis drew on data from 121 previous studies involving approximately 9 million young people.
The review estimated that excessive screen usage is associated with psychological problems representing a health burden equivalent to roughly 2.8 million years globally. Additionally, it linked this behavior to the loss of about 240,000 healthy life years due to obesity.
Researchers noted that exceeding two hours of daily screen time was associated with deteriorating mental health and elevated risks of depression. They cautioned that some digital platforms employ features designed to capture user attention and keep them engaged for longer periods, potentially encouraging excessive use.
Concerns also extend to the impact of these habits on children and adolescents, particularly as they acquire smartphones and use social media at younger ages. The review found associations between problematic screen use and conditions such as anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and certain neurodevelopmental disorders like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and autism.
These results follow a previous study published in JAMA Pediatrics, which found that intensive screen use correlates with declining academic performance and increased risks of emotional and linguistic difficulties.
Researchers called for coordinated global action to mitigate health risks associated with digital media. This includes mandating technology companies to disclose the effects of specific digital features that may promote compulsive usage.
Professor Ilona Kickbusch, who led the Lancet review, stated that "the use of digital media has become an integral part of the lives of children and young people." She added that governments have allowed tech firms to set their own rules while treating health as a secondary concern.
Although platforms such as Instagram and TikTok have begun introducing parental control tools and age verification measures, researchers argue that age restrictions alone are insufficient. They advocate for specialized international oversight to monitor potential harms to children and youth.
Experts not involved in the review welcomed the findings but emphasized the need for further research to establish causal relationships between screen exposure and health outcomes.
Dr. Teodora Gliga, a neuroscientist at the University of East Anglia, described adopting a public health approach to digital media exposure as "essential." She pointed out that rapid technological advancement makes some research findings quickly obsolete.
Gliga added that continued investigation in this field is important to limit potential harm while avoiding unfounded fears or ignoring benefits that technology can provide.
