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Don’t let technology impact their university connections
Recently I saw two boys who had clearly just started university. One was trying to instigate conversation, but the other barely looked up from scrolling their phone. They eventually gave up and scrolled their phone too.
Is my worry about the terrible impact of screens on the next generation somewhat alarmist? To determine the answer, I spoke to an expert, Dr Danielle Einstein, an Adjunct Fellow at Macquarie University who specialises on the interaction between device use and anxiety.
Judith Locke (JL) Danielle, thanks for your time. Are we seeing clear impacts of technology on young adults?
Danielle Einstein (DE) Hi Judith. Yes, we are now seeing the effects on those who came through high school with minimal restrictions and are now university students. For most, a tablet or computer was integral to education. In the clinic, frequently we see this generation feeling alone and finding university life is not at all conducive to forming new friendships.
JL. Do you have any stats?
DE. We can see exponential effects of device use on attention. A 2023 review conducted by Michoel Moshel and colleagues from Macquarie University showed that heavy device use affects attention, focus and the ability to think ahead and plan (aka executive functioning)…
