Life Lessons From Memaw
I read an article today that was about how students in the Netherlands say watching TikTok is brain rot. Hmmm...surprised that students would say this because I have heard this many times from adults. Usually, adults and students don't agree on terminology. I was taken back....until I read the article. More about that article later.
There is research that states too much screen time leads to kids having increased high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance (this can lead to diabetes). They also have less sleep, which affects them physically, emotionally, and academically. Too much screen time is linked to depression and anxiety, reduce concentration, decreased reading comprehension, less physical activity, passive interactions, and weaker communication skills. I think for most of us, I am not telling you anything new.
But I will.....
Here some other comments....
"Too much passive viewing would lead to reduced critical thinking and creativity."
"Critics warn that children and adults will spend less time reading books or doing educational activities."
"Some educators and psychologists argue that it will make it harder for kids to focus in school or on tasks requiring concentration."
"Families will lose quality bonding time and conversation."
"It is associated with loneliness or reduced community involvement."
"Doctors warn of a secondary lifestyle, sleep disruption, and eye strain."
All sounds familiar, right? What if I told you the above comments were NOT about computers, IPads, or phone screen time????
Neil Postman wrote: "Americans no longer talk to each other, they entertain each other. They do not exchange ideas, they exchange images."
Great!! Who the hell is Neil Postman? That's not the important question. The important question is WHEN did he write it and WHAT he was writing about.
Mr. Postman wrote this in 1985! He was writing it to MY generation and about watching too much TELEVISION!
I kid-you-not. Almost the same things they are saying about "screen time" on electronics, I had the same criticisms said to me about too much television.
Here's another example from Jerry Mander: "Television trains people only for being zombies... Watching television is only receiving, no longer reacting..." He wrote this in 1978!
So, what's my point? Nothing has changed. Every generation will have adults criticizing, researching, and condemning something that the children are doing. The adults are always sprouting that it is the end of civilization because of these new gadgets. All children will get "brain rot", either through radio (1940's and 1950's), television (1960's, 1970's, and 1980's), computers (1990's and 2000's), or phones (today). If this is true, then maybe brain rot is not such a bad thing?
Actually, the article I read today said just that. Students were telling their professor that they engage in TikTok so they CAN get brain rot. Brain rot, to them, was doing something meaningless to destress; receive some short-term entertainment; to break up their work cycle so they can regroup, re-energize, and refocus. Brain rot actually helps them with concentration, creativity, and interaction. When they disengage with brain rot, it gives them a much needed temporary rest to re-engage into their work.
So what does all this mean? It means that adults need to relax. Yes, I watched a lot of TV when I was growing up--probably "too much". But I think I am a well educated, well adjusted, productive adult in society--even with my brain rot. My children probably had too much computer time, but they are doing well as adults. My grandchildren will have too much screen time, but I bet money they will be great people.
Like everything else in life, there needs to be a balance. I think TV, computers, IPads, and phones are awesome. I actually like social media. But EVERYTHING needs to be in moderation. Parents need to set those limits and when their children go off to college, then they will have the brain structure and skills to limit themselves to healthy doses of "brain rot". Until then, parents need to take an active role in their children's screen time and teach them those skills and limits.
Moderation is ALWAYS the key to a successful life. Relax, enjoy, and know your limits. Stop stressing! Enjoy your Brain Rot.
