Here’s a dare: reduce the amount of recreational time you spend looking at a TV, computer, phone or other screen.
In fact, here’s a double dare: reduce your amount of recreational screen time to under two hours a day.
Impossible, you say. You have to use a computer for your job or studies. But the dare is for recreational time, which includes checking social media while you’re stopped at a traffic light and “kind of” watching the news while you’re making supper.
It all adds up.
Why is this something Dallas County Health Department cares about? A reduction in screen time means we have more time to do other, healthier things, such as interacting with other people face to face.
Our mental health improves with strong relationships, and in-person conversations grow trust and intimacy.
Just as road rage occurs when we are separated from other drivers by vehicles and are less likely to perceive the other driver as a person, so it follows that cyberbullying occurs in an environment that allows us to forget we’re speaking to (and about) a human being.
Besides improving our emotional health, cutting down on screen time leaves more time for physical activity, preferably with others.
Ann Cochran is the health navigation coordinator in the Dallas County Public Health Department.
