Korean Expat Community for National Disasters

In today's podcast, I talk about the problem of too much screen time and how it affects health, using examples from South Korea. South Korea, which is known for being very tech-savvy, has been at the forefront of the digital revolution. People in South Korea are very connected to technology when compared to my country, Sri Lanka. They have fast internet, a lot of smartphones, and a thriving gaming culture. But this love of technology has also brought some problems, especially when it comes to the health effects of spending too much time in front of a screen. First, let us look at how big the problem is. Cell phones have caused a wide range of health problems, from physical to mental. Digital eye strain is a common health problem associated with excessive screen time. Long-term use of screens can lead to a number of problems, such as tired, dry, and blurry eyes. South Korea has a culture of long work hours and a lot of pressure to do well in school. As a result, people often stare at screens for long periods of time without taking breaks, which makes these symptoms worse. But too much time in front of a screen is bad for more than just the eyes. There has also been a rise in smartphone addiction in South Korea, especially among younger people. Health professionals and policymakers have paid significant attention to this issue, sometimes referred to as "Internet Gaming Disorder" or "Internet Addiction Disorder." Smartphone addiction has effects that go beyond just your health. Many mental health problems, like anxiety, depression, and feeling alone, have been linked to spending too much time in front of a screen. In South Korea, where societal pressures often base a person's worth on their academic or professional success, people, especially teens, may turn to digital escape as a way to deal with their problems, which makes their mental health even worse. There are, however, signs of hope amidst these problems. South Korea has taken action to deal with the problem of too much screen time and digital addiction. Programs like the "Shutdown Law," which restricts teens' access to video games late at night, and the support of digital detox camps and mindfulness programs demonstrate the government's efforts to reduce the harmful effects of technology on health. People who want a balanced approach to using technology are also becoming more popular. These movements encourage people to take back control of their digital habits and put real-life interactions ahead of virtual ones. As we move through the digital world, it's important to keep our online and offline lives in balance. No matter where you are in the world, the dangers of spending too much time in front of a screen are a powerful reminder of how important it is to be mindful and use technology in moderation.