The habit almost all of us do daily that could seriously harm our health

A comprehensive scientific review published in The Lancet, analyzing 121 studies on about 9 million young people, found a consistent link between excessive screen use (over two hours a day) and depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and obesity. The researchers blame technology companies for developing addictive models and call for the establishment of an international oversight body.

A comprehensive scientific review published in The Lancet journal warns of the health risks of excessive screen use. The review analyzed data from 121 previous studies covering about 9 million young people from Europe, North America, and Asia. The findings show that spending more than two hours a day in front of screens is directly linked to a decline in mental health, including depression, anxiety, impaired sleep quality, and attention deficit disorders. It also emerges that browsing habits are responsible for nearly 2.8 million years of coping with mental illness and depression worldwide, along with about 240 thousand years lost due to obesity. The researchers blame technology companies for developing addictive business models designed to capture attention, and call for the establishment of an international body to oversee the damage and require transparency. Experts not involved in the review welcomed the findings but emphasized that further research is needed to establish a definitive causal link.