No matter your age, if you’re going back to school this fall, chances are you’re hoping that this year will be your year. For many, that means it’s time to put down your phone and pick up the books—a task that is easier said than done.
Screen time is a common concern for parents of young children in today’s world, but tech companies and start-ups are beginning to offer products to young adults in college, many of whom have to hold themselves accountable for the first time. Are these products a marketing ploy, or do they have real merits in making this semester a fresh start with fresh habits?
The Double-Edged Sword: Helpful and Harmful Sides of the Screen Time Dilemma
As different products have come about to captivate users’ attention, more scientists have become interested in the long-term consequences of rising screen time. Many studies have been done, specifically on school-aged children and teens, to see what happens to the mind and body as the use of technology increases both inside and out of the classroom.
The type of screen time we engage in matters. Although we used to treat all screens as equal, studies have shown that there is a marked difference between active and passive screen time. Active screen time is mentally or physically engaging, such as a dancing video game or thought-provoking homework. These activities, even if not replacing physical exercise, are good for cognitive development and spatial awareness, among other skills.
Passive screen time activities, however, see fewer benefits and even a link to obesity. When you doomscroll or watch mindless television, there is little to those activities that you could argue make you a better student. Of course, rest and recreation are an important part of a balanced lifestyle, which is why most experts recommend limiting, and not eliminating, screen time.
Social media, especially in older teens and young adults, can have major mental health consequences. Most teenagers use social media “almost constantly,” and can admit that it is bad for their self-esteem and overall mental health. If your mental health isn’t the best, your schoolwork won’t be— so limiting screen time seems like a reasonable solution to increase your GPA.
Although experts have recommended policy initiatives to make social media a safer place, they haven’t taken off. This is why it’s in the individual’s hands to limit their use of screens mindfully. These tech apps and products have offered solutions to some of these issues, and have taken very different routes in doing so.
The Tech That’s Here To Help
Forest: Stay Focused
The concept of this app is that if you stay off your phone, your forest will grow. Your trees only grow when you take dedicated time off your phone, and the coins you earn can get you new kinds of trees to add. The gamification of focus is a good way to limit yourself from time on your phone, and if you earn enough coins, Forest will even plant real trees on your behalf.
Opal: The #1 Screen Time App
This app is a familiar concept—it mimics the Apple screen time features that any device can have. However, the minor tweaks make it more appealing for young audiences with serious screen addictions. When you open a blocked app, instead of an option to ignore the limit, you get an emoji and a witty saying. Then, you have to go into the app and wait for a period to end your focus session.
Opal has a mobile and desktop app, as well as an unpaid and premium version. Although you have to pay to completely lock down your phone, any user can use the other features. The app also includes analytics about your screen time, which you can even compare on a leaderboard with your friends. Opal also makes a game out of focus by letting you collect different gemstones for milestones.
Brick: Take Back Your Time
This app and product take screen time limits (and measures to ignore them) a step further. Brick is a physical item that you tap your phone to lock it down, or “turn it back into a tool,” based on what you choose to allow. In order to “unbrick” your phone, you have to tap it again. Having to physically get up and put your phone somewhere adds friction against getting back on your screens.
KSafe: Lock It Up
KSafe was originally made to lock up snacks, but people have since realized it’s perfect to lock up your phone. The concept it simple, you lock it up for a certain amount of time and you can’t get into the safe unless you break it open. While this option is lower-tech than some of the others, it’s perfect for someone that needs more physical restriction from their devices.
Wisephone II: The Phone for a Better Life
The Wisephone is for the most dedicated individuals that don’t want to forego all the comforts of a smartphone. The phone only has access to maps, music, camera, messages, and the phone. This eliminates any possible distractions that could come from a modern smartphone, and many have had success in this more extreme endeavor.
What’s the Right Phone Call?
The truth is that there’s no one right answer to reducing your screen time. Mindful consumption is the best practice, and many experts have dedicated time and resources to coming up with tips to help individuals and families change their lifestyles, with and without products such as these.
Technology has greatly changed the back to school season, for better and for worse. Whether or not you use products to reduce your screen time, phones are not completely evil to being a good student. You are capable of limiting the time you waste and making excellent grades this semester.
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