The disintegration of the social fabric is an evil that is gradually eating away at our society. What's more, the digital age has transformed the way we communicate and interact. Today, screens are everywhere, and their influence on the social fabric, particularly among young people, is a matter of growing concern. This article looks at the impact of screens on social relationships in children and teenagers, through the prism of sociology.
How do screens affect social relationships?
Screens, while useful for maintaining social contact from a distance, can also contribute to a form of isolation. The easy access and immersive nature of digital content can hinder direct contact with other members of the community. It also tends to limit opportunities to develop essential social skills, especially for younger people.
The impact of screens on family relationships
A recent study has revealed that excessive screen use can lead to behavioral problems in children and disrupt family dynamics. Children exposed to screens beyond recommendations have an increased risk of behavioral problems, including conduct problems in 11-14 year olds REF[^1^].
The role of screens in the disintegration of the social fabric
Screens can alter the quality of social relationships and contribute to social disintegration. Young people who use them excessively are the most affected. This disintegration manifests itself in a reduction in meaningful social interactions and a weakening of community ties. The effects are particularly marked in younger age groups.
Teenagers and their use of screens
Teenagers are the most vulnerable to the negative effects of overexposure to screens. This, in turn, can lead to social isolation and mental health problems. A systematic review identified several factors associated with screen time, including age, gender and REF body mass index (BMI) [^2^].
Effects of the disintegration of the social fabric on the well-being of adolescents
Adolescents affected by social disintegration may experience feelings of alienation, depression and anxiety. Their general well-being may also be affected.
Effects of excessive screen use on sociability
Too much screen time is associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome in adolescents, which can have negative implications for their long-term health REF[^3^]. The latter is associated with a decline in social skills and an increase in antisocial behavior.
Social interactions between parents and children in the age of screens
Screens are changing the way parents and children interact. Shared activities, such as outdoor play and family discussions, are increasingly being replaced by hours spent in front of screens. This has the potential to undermine the quality of parent-child relationships. In this way, screens change the dynamics of parent-child interactions, often to the detriment of activities that strengthen family bonds. Adults are generally aware of the risks associated with this overexposure, but may feel powerless to manage the situation.
How do sociologists approach this question?
Sociologists study the impact of screens on social relationships by examining changes in behaviors and interactions within families and communities. They are particularly interested in the long-term effects of screen use on children's social development.
Sociological studies on the impact of screens on social relations
Sociological studies have shown that health-related quality of life in children and adolescents is negatively correlated with screen time REF [^4^]. They indicate a relationship with deterioration in the quality of social relationships.
Sociologists' recommendations for healthy screen use
Sociologists recommend limiting screen time and encouraging activities that promote direct social interaction. They stress the importance of educating children in the healthy use of screens and the role of adults in regulating this use.
Parents are advised not to expose children under 3 to screens. From ages 3 to 6, screen use should be exceptional and very limited, and ideally avoided. For children aged 6 to 9, screen time should be limited to one hour a day, mainly for educational purposes and under parental supervision. Children aged 9 to 12 can use screens to access educational content without the Internet, but always under adult supervision.
Between the ages of 12 and 16, moderate, supervised use of the Internet is permitted. For teenagers aged 16 to 18, greater autonomy in accessing the Internet is possible, provided it serves educational and informative purposes, and constant adult supervision is no longer deemed necessary.
The links between screen use and the disintegration of the social fabric
The omnipresence of screens in daily life has a significant impact on social cohesion. Virtual interactions can sometimes replace face-to-face encounters. Opportunities to strengthen traditional social ties and develop empathy and mutual understanding are then reduced.
How do screens change family relationships from a sociological perspective?
Sociologists observe that screens can create rifts within families, as they limit the conversations and shared activities that are essential to maintaining strong, healthy family relationships. Screens can also alter family relationships by creating communication barriers.
What are the effects of the disintegration of the social fabric caused by screens?
Social disintegration linked to screens can lead to increased loneliness and isolation, as well as communication difficulties. A reduction in the ability to understand and interact effectively with others cannot be ruled out.
Social isolation among young people linked to screen use
Young people who spend too much time in front of screens can find themselves isolated from their peers and their community. This can have negative consequences for their social and emotional development.
The consequences of the disintegration of the social fabric according to sociologists
Sociologists warn of the risks of increased social fragmentation and the weakening of community structures. This is likely to have repercussions on the stability and well-being of society as a whole.
Social deviations linked to the isolation engendered by screen use
Social isolation can lead to deviant behavior, such as cyberaddiction or cyberstalking. The search for substitute online communities is also a possible consequence. These behaviors are direct consequences of inappropriate screen use.
How can we prevent the disintegration of the social fabric caused by screens?
It's essential to encourage activities that promote face-to-face interaction and communication. Adults should also limit screen time and promote conscious, moderate use of technology.
Educating children about the healthy use of screens
It is now essential to educate children from an early age to use screens responsibly. This means teaching them the importance of human interaction, while providing them with the tools they need to manage their screen time.
Emphasizing the importance of direct social interaction in countering the disintegration of the social fabric
Direct social interaction is fundamental to the development of social and emotional skills. They must be valued and encouraged to preserve social cohesion.
The role of adults in regulating young people's use of screens
Parents and educators have a key role to play in regulating young people's use of screens. It is their duty to establish clear rules. The head of the family should set an example of balanced use of technology.
Alternatives to screens for stronger family ties
Activities such as sports, board games, reading and the arts can serve as alternatives to screens and help strengthen family ties.
Strategies for rethinking the impact of screens on social relations
It is important to develop strategies that integrate technology positively into social life, while preserving the human interactions essential to community cohesion. These would serve to minimize the negative impact of screens on social relations.
The criticality of family relationships in a context of deteriorating social ties
Family relationships are essential to individual development, balance and well-being. In a context where social ties are deteriorating, it is imperative to preserve and strengthen the interactions and bonds that unite family members to offset the negative effects of screens.
How does the disintegration of the social fabric affect family relationships?
Social disintegration can lead to a weakening of family relationships. This manifests itself in family members becoming increasingly isolated from each other, even when sharing the same space.
Excessive screen use levels the playing field between family members
Overexposure to screens can level out family interactions. It will reduce opportunities for sharing and emotional exchange between family members.
The effects of screens on emotional dynamics within families
Screens can influence emotional dynamics within families, sometimes creating emotional distances. There's no longer any complicity or intimacy.
Reconsidering family relationships in the age of screens
It's becoming important to reconsider and adapt family relationships to the digital age. The solution would be to find a balance between technology and the fundamental human needs for connection and belonging.
Caring for children in a disintegrating social fabric
It's essential to devote time and attention to children to help them navigate a world where screens are omnipresent. It's up to adults to guide them towards healthy, fulfilling social interactions.
Parental dynamics and the disintegration of the social fabric caused by screens
Parents are now forced to navigate a complex landscape in which screens play a central role. It's not easy for them to find ways of maintaining a healthy family dynamic and supporting their children's social development. Nor should they lapse into extremism and demonize these devices. Adults can of course allow screens, but it's up to them to find the right balance for everyone's well-being.
In conclusion,
The disintegration of the social fabric linked to the use of screens is a contemporary challenge that calls for in-depth reflection and concerted action. By recognizing the importance of human relationships and establishing healthy practices around screen use, it is possible to preserve social cohesion and promote the well-being of individuals and families. Sociologists play a key role in understanding this impact and in formulating recommendations to promote healthy screen habits.
Disclaimer
This article is for information purposes only and does not replace the advice of a health professional or sociologist.
References
REF [^1^]. Silini, A., et al. (2023). 1-year above-recommendation screen use and internalizing and externalizing behaviours in French children aged 3 to 14 years. European Psychiatry.
REF [^2^]. Shalani, B., Azadfallah, P., & Farahani, H. (2021). Correlates of Screen Time in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review Study. Journal of Medical Research.
REF [^3^]. Musa, S., Elyamani, R., & Dergaa, I. (2022). COVID-19 and screen-based sedentary behaviour: Systematic review of digital screen time and metabolic syndrome in adolescents. PLOS ONE.
REF [^4^]. Wong, C. K. H., et al. (2021). Impact of sleep duration, physical activity, and screen time on health-related quality of life in children and adolescents. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes.
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