The Promise of Connection – and the Reality
It is often assumed that cell phones and social media help us stay connected, but emerging research continues to show that the benefits may not outweigh the risks. For many of us, checking our phones has become a mindless habit; yet the very platforms designed to bring people together are increasingly contributing to a growing loneliness epidemic. This raises an important question: how is constant connectivity shaping our day-to-day interactions, our long-term relationships, and our overall well-being?
What the Research Shows
A recent study by Dr. Meredith David, a marketing professor at Baylor University, found that increased technology and social media use can:
1. Heighten feelings of depression and anxiety
2. Shorten attention spans
3. Reduce overall self-control
These issues become even more significant when we consider their impact on developing minds.
Why are Adolescents Especially Vulnerable?
So, what does this mean for our children? Adolescents take their cues from the adults around them. Dr. David cautions that caregivers must be conscious and intentional about their own phone use, as children learn by observing our behaviors.
Yale Medicine further reports that the brain undergoes a highly sensitive period between ages 10 and 19, when identities and foundations of self-worth are still forming—making responsible tech habits even more critical.
The Hidden Risks in Social Media Algorithms
Studies over the past decade have also shown that those who use social media for over three hours each day face twice the risk of having adverse health outcomes, including depression and anxiety.
Platforms amplify what users search for. This means:
• A child searching for depression-related content may suddenly see feeds filled with similar posts.
• This can create a distorted impression that “everyone” around them is struggling with the same issues.
• That false sense of norm can worsen loneliness, anxiety, and hopeless thinking.
How Can You Protect Your Kids in a Digital World?
Children under 13 are strongly discouraged from using social media. Caregivers can reduce risk by establishing clear expectations at home.
Family Tech Safeguards
• Create a family social media plan with set expectations.
• Set time limits for both duration and time of day.
• Monitor your child’s phone and keep devices out of bedrooms.
• Keep communication open—talk frequently and mindfully about what kids see online.
• Model the behavior you want to see. Boundaries are easier to enforce when adults follow them, too.