Technology is becoming prevalent on campuses. Students and educators can be affected mentally.
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College students everywhere, including at LSU, are constantly surrounded by technology as school programs become increasingly digitized, and it could be substantially affecting their mental health.
A recent Stanford study said college students spend 50.2% of their day, on average, looking at screens.
“It does get a little tiring on the eyes. It does make my brain a little...foggy,” LSU student Josie Congleton said.
Over 100 LSU classes are offered 100% virtually or hold online sessions. Laptops have become an essential school supply.
According to reports from the National Institute of Technology, too much technology on campus is harmful. Overuse of screen time correlates with poor mental health. Technology can cause depression, anxiety and brain fog.
“Young, liberal women seemed to be the most affected, probably not just because of the time they’re spending [on their phone], but the messages they’re hearing. And it’s..it’s depressing,” sociology professor Wesley Shrum said.
The average college student spends eight to 10 hours on their phone each day. Students are also expected to check grades, assignments and messages from teachers online.
“I watch a lot of TV to relax when I’m not doing homework," Congleton said. "All of my homework is online, all my study material and notes are online, so I definitely spend a lot of time looking at the screen."
Plus, students may feel pressure to keep up with constant information and interaction from different devices like tablets, monitors, and TV.
As LSU and other universities lean toward a technology-filled future, educators and students struggle to find a balance in screen time.