Maryn Small | Broadcast Reporter
We love to blame screens for everything. But honestly, I don’t think our phones or laptops are the villains here. The problem isn’t the technology; it’s how we use it.
There have been times we’ve caught ourselves scrolling through TikTok when we should be studying or texting when we should be hanging out with friends. It’s so easy to blame the phone, but the truth is, the phone isn’t forcing us to do anything. It’s our own habits that are out of control. Technology is neutral; it becomes what we make of it.
Our screens can become an incredibly powerful tool. They connect us with people we love, let us explore new ideas and provide us with access to endless learning opportunities. However, we take too much advantage of it.
For example, during the pandemic, our technology was used as a lifeline for school, work and relationships. We used YouTube and TikTok to help us learn new skills, stayed in touch with friends who live hours away and even discovered hobbies we never would’ve tried otherwise.
But we’ve also turned screens into emotional crutches. Whenever we’re bored, stressed or even slightly uncomfortable, we reach for our phones without thinking. It’s a quick escape that gives us short bursts of dopamine but leaves us more drained in the long run. The constant notifications, endless scrolling and late-night “just five more minutes” sessions slowly chip away at our attention and peace of mind.
It’s not that screens are bad; it’s that we haven’t learned to set boundaries with them. We treat them like extensions of ourselves, always within reach, constantly demanding attention. Our phones aren’t supposed to be our therapists or our social lifelines at the same time. When they are, it’s no wonder we feel overwhelmed.
That’s why we should try to build small habits to take back control. We should turn off unnecessary notifications, turn off our phones when studying and make sure to have moments without a screen, such as walks, meals or simply sitting in silence. These breaks should remind you that being offline isn’t a punishment, rather, it’s a chance to breathe.
What’s interesting is that watching a documentary, listening to a podcast or FaceTiming a friend feels energizing; it adds something to our lives. Scrolling aimlessly for hours, on the other hand, feels empty. The difference isn’t the screen; it’s the intention behind it.
We sometimes forget that we’re in control. The apps on our phones are designed to grab attention, but we still have the power to decide how much of it we give them. Instead of swearing off screens entirely, which isn’t realistic, we can learn to use them wisely. Technology doesn’t have to be the enemy of focus or mental health. It can actually support both if we use it with balance and awareness.
Screens aren’t destroying us. Our unexamined habits are. We can either let them drain our time and energy, or we can use them to connect, create and grow. The difference comes down to our choice.
At the end of the day, our phones, laptops and TVs are just tools. They’re not good or bad on their own. It’s up to us to decide whether we use them to escape the world or to engage with it more fully. The power isn’t in the screen; it’s in our hands.
