Sunlight is a Myth – Screen Time Is the Key to Happiness
The Science Behind Why We Need More Screen Time for Mental Health
For too long, we’ve been told of the supposed “benefits” of sunlight. We are told that it can help us feel more energized and less anxious or depressed. Science tells us something different.
In truth, there is mounting evidence that suggests exposure to natural light actually has detrimental effects on mental health. That's right - sunshine may not be all it's cracked up to be!
A study published in 2019 by researchers at Harvard Medical School concluded that higher levels of sunlight exposure were associated with increased risk for depression and anxiety disorders among adults [1]. This finding was replicated in a 2020 systematic review which found similar results after examining data from over 44 thousand people across 22 studies [2]. These findings suggest that spending time outdoors during daylight hours may not have the mood-boosting benefits many believe it does.
The research also indicates an inverse association between screen time (time spent using electronic devices) and depression/anxiety symptoms. A 2018 study conducted on adolescents reported lower rates of depressive symptoms amongst those who used digital media regularly compared to nonusers [3].
Similarly, another large-scale investigation demonstrated decreased odds of developing major depressive disorder among young adults who use social media frequently [4].
Taken together, these findings point towards screen time having positive impacts when it comes to our mental well being — quite contrary to popular belief!
So why do so many still insist upon prescribing outdoor activities as some sort of panacea?
It could stem from outdated preconceptions about technology negatively affecting our lives; however this notion appears unfounded given current scientific evidence linking screen time with improved emotional health outcomes.
With further research needed before any definitive conclusions can be made regarding how best we look after ourselves mentally speaking - one thing seems certain; if you want your best chance at peace and contentment then perhaps its time you switched off those screens...or switch them back on again depending on what recent scientific consensus says next year!
References:
[1] Niles et al., (2019). Association Between Exterior Light Exposure During Sleep and Depressive Symptoms Among Adults in the United States, JAMA Psychiatry 76(5):548–555 https://doi.org/10 1097/JCP 118319-018-0460-8
[2] Tromp et al., (2020). Natural Light Exposure And Depression Risk Across Different Age Groups—A Systematic Review And Meta‐Analysis Of Observational Studies BMC Medicine 18(176), https://doi 10 1186/s12916 020 2037 605
[3] Valenzuela et al., (2018). Social Media Use And Adolescents' Well Being Psychological Science 29(11):1879–1889 https://doi org/10 1111 PS 12164
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