Two months before the pandemic started in March 2020, I posted, “Monitoring Screen Time“. I had lofty plans post more on this topic. I even had a few apps that monitored screen time and app usage flagged to try out and research further. In the early months of 2020, the amount of screen time was considered troubling and referred to as “addiction.”
It’s strange to consider how a single event, albeit a monumental one, fundamentally altered the perception of screen time. Once the pandemic started, people praised digital connectivity, including increased amounts of screen time. Many of us in isolation or lock down only had screen time to remain connected, or “visit” with others. It brought new meaning to how we connected with one another.
Throughout the pandemic, the amount of screen time became a low priority. This is likely because it contradicted the amount of screen time necessary for things like remote working and virtual learning to be available and successful. How could students keep learning from home with limited screen time?
I’m sure for some parents trying to manage home “virtual” schooling, along with working full-time, resulted in more screen time. It may have been necessary occasionally so a parent could answer a work email or attend a meeting.
It seems as though restrictions may be lifting, finally! I wonder if we will revert back to the pre-pandemic opinions of screen time. We already relied heavily on screens before the pandemic, but they’ve taken on a new role now. I’m sure for some people, going out and socializing in person will serve as the perfect reason to reduce screen time. For others, the validation and necessity of screen time will continue to enforce the practice. Maybe some people have developed a new habit, or further engrained an existing one. It’s hard to know how people will react. Or who will become a strong advocate of less screen time or continued screen time.
One thing is sure, the social isolation validated how important connection is between people. The question moving forward is can we continue that virtually via screen time? Many of us have been surviving on it for almost two years. Or do we need to connect without the screens? Only time, and the waning of this long, long pandemic, will reveal the answers.