New Delhi, May 13 (IANS). In today’s time, mobile phone has become a big necessity but the problem arises when children and young generation fall into its trap at an early age. The bitter truth is that it has become difficult to separate children from phones. They keep scrolling for hours. Do you know that this is not a coincidence? Social media apps are deliberately designed to keep children on them constantly.
United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) gives detailed information about this quoting digital parenting expert Dr. Jacqueline Nessi. Dr. Jacqueline Nessi explains that social media companies use many special features, which keep children and adults glued to the screen. The most common ones are infinite scroll, meaning a feed that never ends, auto-play, meaning videos keep playing automatically, and counting features like notifications, likes, views, and streaks. Because of this, children keep opening the app again and again and lose track of time.
Experts say that the algorithm of social media works in a very clever way. It looks at which videos you watch longer and which posts you stay on. Then brings more similar content in front of you. Its purpose is only one – the more time you spend on the platform, the better. However, these algorithms are not created with the well-being of children in mind, but rather to increase their participation.
Now the question is why do children get more entangled in this? So experts say that the brains of children and teenagers are still developing. They do not have the ability to fully control themselves. They are very sensitive to social rewards like likes and comments. If friends are talking to each other on social media and the child is not included in it, then he feels lonely. That’s why they find it difficult to leave the app.
It has a deep impact on mental health. The effect of social media is different on every child. Some children who are already emotionally sensitive may suffer more harm. At the same time, some children can also use it positively with proper guidance. But the biggest problem is that social media starts replacing sleep, sports, studies and real life relationships.
If the child is not able to sleep, is leaving homework incomplete, is not spending time with family or is not able to concentrate in school because of social media, then it is a matter of concern.
In such a situation, Dr. Jacqueline Nessi gives three main suggestions to parents – First, talk openly – without scolding the child, ask why he likes to spend so much time on social media. Also explain the design tricks of these apps. The second is to set limits – limit screen time and prioritize spending time with family. The third is to become a role model, that is, use your phone in a balanced manner.
Experts believe that social media is not completely bad, but it is important to keep an eye on its use. Parents should play an active role in this so that children can live a healthy and balanced life.
–IANS
MT/AS
