Kids Say They’d Rather Have Freedom Than Screens

An intriguing survey investigated the rise in youth screen usage from a new perspective — the kids themselves.

Photo by Ronny Sison on Unsplash

One of the many ongoing debates today involves youth and technology. It’s no secret that kids are spending more and more time online, and concerned adults and researchers have fretted over the consequences. We’ve heard about predatory and addictive algorithms that mess with the youth psyche and the dangers of viral TikTok so-called “challenges.”

Meanwhile, numerous studies and opinions focus on the potential long-term consequences of spending so much time online, like increased rates of anxiety and depression, and the ability to navigate growing amounts of mis- and disinformation proliferating the web.

However, a curious group of experts tackled the issue from a new perspective. Rather than blaming technology, a team of researchers went to the source and asked kids why they spend so much time looking at screens — and their responses are enlightening.

The Issue

The ongoing conversation about the rise of screen usage among youth has developed a common explanation that you’ve likely heard, even if you’re not actively involved in the debate — that algorithms, specifically on…