Zeb White

Assistant Business Manager 

Growing up, your parents may have warned you not to spend too much time watching TV. However, you probably now spend hours of their free time texting, using social networks like Facebook, and playing video games as a teenager. Some experts say that these newer activities may pose just as many risks as watching too much TV.

A recent Associated Press poll found that one-third of college students use computers, cell phones or gaming consoles for six or more hours daily. A Kaiser Family Foundation study published in January found that total media use among 8- to 18-year-olds, including TV, music, computers, video games, print and movies has increased from six hours, 21 minutes daily in 2004 to seven hours, 38 minutes in 2009.

With such high hours in front of electronics, it’s no wonder that cyberbullying, ADD/ADHD, and obesity are on the rise in America. What can we do to combat this rising epidemic? I’m not advocating tossing out your cell phone or deleting your Facebook account—however, I think it’s important to recognize the consequences behind our actions.