Flat Screen Addiction In American Society

Electronics are getting more common than ever. All around we see people on their devices. Almost everyone around us is addicted to flat screen devices such as cell phones, computers, tablets, televisions and so on. According to a new report from the Pew Internet and American Life project, nearly 90% of Americans now own a cell phone, computer, MP3 player, game console, e-book reader or tablet computer (qtd. In Gahran). Flat screens are everywhere, which makes them harder to resist, creating an huge issue of flat screen addiction in American society. This is a shocking issue that needs to be restrained.
Not everyone is addicted to a device, but those who are receive many aftereffects from them. A major issue is physical health. Electronic users

often receive pain in their wrists, fingers, neck and back. The pain is developed when the users have their device on their lap causing them to hunch down. These electronic devices can also lead to long-term damage. The blue violet light coming from these devices are perilous and can cause macular degeneration, which is a leading cause to blindness. These devices also carry radiation that puts the user in a higher risk for brain cancer. Teenagers often send 34 text messages after they get into bed, and increasing the sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation has many side effects and is very harmful with relationships. We get so addicted to these devices, that we become lazy.
Being addicted to to a device is consequential and can also lead to many mental conditions. The heavy use of an electronic device can really impact the user’s health, school academics and have negative effects on their behavior. According to a study in Journal of Youth and Adolescence, the electronic users are more likely to be aggressive, have conflict with their peers and argue with their teachers.
These devices are supposed to help us communicate easier, but is it really achieving its task? Ads for family vehicles are showing every family member on an electronic device (qtd. In Poundstone). We are losing connections with reality. Children are allowed to be on their phone during car rides and sit there being quiet. They don’t need that, they need time to daydream, handle their anxieties, exercise their thoughts and share them with their parents (qtd. In Dr. Steiner-Adair). There are no more conversations, device users need to realize that life is fine without the screen. These people begin to feel more lonely and depressed. They are using electronic media to interact but are losing one to one communication.
There are many downfalls from using devices but those who are heavy users tend to be more proficient at multitasking. These users can also use their device as a learning tool. It's good for assignments and projects, especially for schoolwork. With these devices we can have an understanding of responsibility. These devices help connect families from around the world bringing them joy.