While the world navigates the concept of digital detox, there's a trend of screenmaxxing emerging in the background.
Almost 19 hours of daily screen time? These individuals wouldn’t have it any other way.
Morgan Dreiss, a copy editor with severe ADHD, states they must be engaged in at least three activities simultaneously, resulting in an average screen time of 18 hours and 55 minutes per day. A recent report by WIRED indicates that Dreiss is not alone in this regard.
For years, research has highlighted the negative effects of excessive screen time on both physical and mental health. However, an increasing number of individuals are challenging this narrative.
You could call them screenmaxxers. They’re not deliberately trying to accumulate screen hours, but they find themselves using their devices practically all day without losing any sleep over it.
Is screen time truly an issue?
For many screenmaxxers, their devices serve as more than just bad habits; they are essential lifelines. Corina Diaz, who lives two and a half hours from Toronto and works in video game marketing, relies on her screen to maintain connections to the outside world surrounding her wooded area in Ontario. “Screens have always connected me to the things I care about,” she shares.
Daniel Rios, a programmer in South America, utilizes Discord as his main social avenue, especially after many friends relocated. When not working, he spends time gaming or watching TV, and cutting back would merely result in “being bored at home,” he claims.
Should we all cease our concerns?
Though not everyone is willing to go to that extent, screenmaxxers present a valid argument. Diaz believes that the broader concerns about screen time overlook the actual issues, which she identifies, and I wholeheartedly agree, as isolation, overwork, and even addiction.
On a personal note, I find that apps like Instagram and TikTok can be addictive. While some may argue this reflects a lack of willpower, I have personally lost countless hours scrolling through Instagram Reels, aware that the design aims to keep users engaged. No other media format has managed to keep my attention quite like short-form content platforms.
Several studies have also demonstrated that experiencing boredom can be more beneficial for mental health, productivity, and creativity. Thus, if your screen time is significantly high and you struggle to reduce it, I recommend focusing on informative or artistic content rather than spending excessive hours browsing through short videos.
Rachit is an experienced tech journalist with over seven years of expertise covering the consumer technology sector.
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While the world navigates the concept of digital detox, there's a trend of screenmaxxing emerging in the background.
Certain individuals spend almost 19 hours a day online. They are aware of the cautions regarding screen time, but it doesn’t bother them at all.
