Smartphones Aren't Actually Bad for Us, Argues a New Book
TimeMar 27
The Facts
A panel of 50 Spanish government experts has reportedly recommended that smartphones sold in Spain carry health warning labels similar to those on cigarette packages, highlighting potential risks to consumers.
The almost 250-page report recommends zero screen time for children under three years old, with extremely limited use for those between three and six years of age, while promoting 'dumb phones' — restricted to only phone calls — for children aged six to twelve.
The Spin
Narrative A
This news should be applauded, as it will help combat what has become a serious public health crisis. Smartphones are psychologically addictive, encourage narcissistic tendencies, and cause distraction from many aspects of life, including hobbies and studies. If the adverse effects of smartphones are well advertised, people would know the potential addictive properties of new technologies and reduce the country's healthcare costs.
Narrative B
These proposals are overly aggressive and could hinder children's digital literacy in an increasingly connected world. Moreover, just like smoking, spending time on a smartphone is a willful, personal decision, which is why grisly photos and heinous warnings already printed on cigarette packets have failed to meaningfully decrease smoking rates. This is a redundant strategy as there's no evidence that such labels will encourage people to reduce their screen time.
