What are the adverse effects of prolonged screen time in adults?

From the Guidelines

Excessive screen time in adults can lead to several negative health effects, including increased risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and various types of cancer, and therefore, adults should limit their recreational screen time to less than 2 hours daily and prioritize physical activity and mindful screen use. The evidence suggests that prolonged sitting, often associated with screen time, is linked to a range of health problems, independent of physical activity levels 1. Key points to consider include:

• Limiting screen time can help maintain a healthy body weight and reduce the risk of developing breast, colon, endometrial, and other cancers 1
• TV time is poorly correlated with sitting time and is confounded by factors such as dietary intake, socioeconomic status, and mental health, making it a less reliable marker of sedentary behavior 1
• Engaging in regular physical activity and maintaining proper ergonomics when using devices can help mitigate the negative effects of screen time
• Practicing mindful screen use, setting boundaries with technology, and balancing screen time with in-person social interactions and outdoor activities are also essential for preventing the physical and psychological consequences of excessive screen exposure The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2019, highlights the importance of considering the broader context of sedentary behavior and physical activity when assessing the health risks associated with screen time 1.

From the Research

Adverse Effects of Prolonged Screen Time in Adults

• Physical health effects:
  • Increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) 2
  • Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, obesity, low HDL cholesterol, and insulin resistance 3, 4
  • Eye strain, neck and shoulder pain, and back pain 5
• Psychological effects:
  • Increased levels of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders 3, 4, 5
  • Suicidal tendencies and symptoms of depression associated with digital device dependency and screen-time-induced poor sleep quality 3, 4
  • Internalizing and externalizing behavior related to poor sleep 3
• Sleep-related effects:
  • Poor sleep quality and duration associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and T2DM 2
  • Sleep problems linked to ADHD-related behavior, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation 3

Moderating Factors

• Physical activity and sleep can mitigate the negative effects of screen time on stress in adults 6
• Limiting screen time, incorporating physical activity, and face-to-face interaction into daily routines can help minimize the adverse effects of prolonged screen time 5