The lure of social media, games, and binge-watching a series on Netflix can be one of the most disruptive forces in our pursuit of prayer or writing. The practice of scrolling through social media does not restore our minds or spirits in any way, even it’s enjoyable to catch with a friend.
Most importantly, we can invest significant parts of our weeks in practices that aren’t just preventing us from mindfulness, prayer, writing, or exercise. We could also end up more stressed, sleep-deprived, and distracted than we were to begin with. This article on limiting screen time is directed at parents, but I think it applies to all of us:
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“Rather than making rules based strictly on screen time, figure out what your kids are actually doing when they’re on the computer or their phone, says Devorah Heitner, who founded Raising Digital Natives and is the author of Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World.”
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“If you’re concerned about compulsive use, current research suggests that online games seem to be the technology most likely to “potentially result in problems,” says Daria Kuss, a psychologist and member of the International Gaming Research Unit at Nottingham Trent University in the U.K.”
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“One way to help everyone curb overuse is to create tech-free zones, says Rosen. Those can be geographical, like banning technology at the kitchen table or bathroom. Removing smartphones and tablets from the bedroom is also helpful.”
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