Hyperconnectivity and screens: What you need to know

We live in a highly connected world, and this trend is only set to increase. The technology that surrounds us is evolving rapidly, and new digital tools are emerging every day. While they often make our lives easier, the Internet and connected devices are changing the way we relate to others and to our environment. As for children, they are exposed to screens from an early age and grow up surrounded by many connected devices.

Today, technology plays a very important role in our daily lives. The Internet has become an essential tool for working, staying informed, and communicating. Thanks to technological advances, devices are increasingly powerful and easy to access. As a result, we often own several connected devices, such as a computer, a cellphone, a tablet, a smart TV, a gaming console, or even a smart watch. All of these devices give us access to a wide range of functions that allow us to do almost everything online: chat with friends and family, keep up with the news, get help with getting around, pay bills, listen to music, learn, work out, and much more.

This social phenomenon, which affects everyone and is here to stay, has been dubbed hyperconnectivity by researchers at Montreal’s regional public health department (DRSP).

What is hyperconnectivity?

The pros and cons of hyperconnectivity

Widespread access to the Internet and screens has transformed our lifestyles and contributed to increasing the amount of time we dedicate to them each day outside of work or school. Some people may even develop problematic Internet use, also known as Internet addiction.

Public health experts in Quebec and around the world are concerned about the effects of excessive screen use and hyperconnectivity. These habits can have negative impacts on mental and physical health, relationships with others, as well as the development of children and teens.

This is why it is recommended to set limits on screen time and to supervise screen use among toddlers, children, and teenagers. The goal is to promote balanced screen use by considering the quality of the consumed content, the moments when devices are used, and individual differences such as age, personality, and certain vulnerabilities.

The key to benefiting from technology while reducing its risks, both for ourselves and for our children, is to understand how it influences our habits. This helps us better assess our situation and take concrete steps toward achieving a healthier balance.

Some data on the role of technology in our lives…

… among children and teens

• According to the INSPQ (2022),² 17% of children ages 6 to 8, 32% of children ages 9 to 11, 74% of teens ages 12 to 14, and 94% of teens ages 15 to 17 own a smartphone.
• It is recommended to limit recreational screen time to a maximum of two hours per day. However, 72% of teens exceed this limit on weekdays, and 94% do so on weekends.
• Still according to the INSPQ (2022),² the proportion of young people experiencing negative effects on their physical health is greater for those who have more than two devices compared to those with no or only one personal device.
• According to a Montreal study (2019),¹ more than 4 hours of recreational screen time per day is associated with a higher risk of school dropout, weaker personal and social resources , as well as poorer mental and physical health.

… among adults

• In Quebec (2021),³ 97% of adults own at least one of the following devices: laptop or desktop computer, smartwatch, smartphone, electronic tablet, connected fitness tracker.
• More than 4 hours per day of recreational screen time is associated with a lower frequency of leisure-time physical activity, higher levels of psychological distress, poorer physical health, sleep difficulties, and greater dissatisfaction in several areas of life, including relationships and finances.
• This intensive use is more common among young adults and people aged 65 and over. Approximately 39% of individuals aged 18 to 24 and 30% of those aged 65 and over report having developed intensive use, while it is less common among those aged 35 to 44 (12%).
• According to a recent PAUSE survey (2022), 86% of parents feel like they have problematic Internet and screen use, even if only a little. Nearly 60% report using them out of habit.

Hyperconnectivity is no accident

Most people who design websites, apps, and social networks exploit our natural pursuit of pleasure and our curiosity to maximize our interactions with their products and reap more profits. To achieve this, teams of experts combine several strategies to make their products highly attractive: unpredictable notifications, social approval, catchy sounds, captivating colours, etc.

These techniques are so effective that it becomes virtually impossible to resist the urge to go online, whether to check messages, browse the web, or scroll through social media. This struggle affects both young people and adults alike and therefore cannot be explained solely by a lack of personal willpower.

And what is your role as a parent in all this?

It’s helping your children develop healthy digital habits and manage their screen use on a daily basis so that they can maintain a balance… without forgetting to set an example! The goal is to work towards mindful Internet and screen use to enjoy their benefits while limiting their negative effects on you and your family.

To find out more:

• When to worry about your teen’s screen use
• Evaluating your family’s Internet use
• Talking about screens with your child

Sources: 1.numerique.banq.qc.ca, 2. inspq.ca.ca, 3. transformation-numerique.ulaval.ca, 4. pubmed.gov