What is "screen time" and why are some trying to avoid it?

[Stasher]

I should note that all the "screen time" things I listed in my commentary are done on my laptop. Building on the key simple single comment Chenda shared I agree and why I make a strong effort to avoid using my phone for anything I could do on my laptop. Using my laptop is more intentional whereas using a smart phone cane easily just become a distraction and time blackhole.

[thai_tong]

"Seek engagement not entertainment" is a quote which I try to live by.

The doom scrolling happens when we go looking for entertainment. But really what benefits us is using the internet for engagement. Is there a topic you're trying to learn about? Are you looking for inspiration for cooking? Are you solving a problem by looking up video tutorials? in this way the content is a means to an end, and not consumption for the sake of consumption.

[birding]

Never be afraid to switch off your phone.

But what about Merlin Bird ID?

[7Wannabe5]

I recently was in charge of a not very well-behaved classroom of young Gen Alphas. I made them a deal that if they completed their math packets they could have free choice afterward. The entire group eventually wound up on the small square of carpet in one corner, huddled very close together, each on their own screen, but playing a whole group interactive game. To join up in a group game, it is generally necessary to make your way through a few levels of password/code protection, so as a new child joined the huddle, you might hear another call out excitedly, "Are you in? Are you in?", in a manner that it you shut your eyes would be virtually indistinguishable from the cry of a child in an earlier era after assisting a friend to climb over the fence to a semi-forbidden play field.