Smartphone addiction in teenagers: This is how Siri lives with her iPhone!

Smartphone addiction in teenagers: This is how Siri lives with her iPhone!

In a digital world in which social media and smartphones are omnipresent, it is particularly challenging for young people like 15-year-old Siri to keep track of things and regulate their own media consumption. Siri, who received her first cell phone at the age of eight and now uses the iPhone 14, spends an average of five hours a day in front of the screen. Her everyday life is characterized by popular apps such as TikTok, Snapchat and Spotify, which she uses intensively before and after school. She considers her cell phone to be particularly important for documenting memories, especially during her travels.

The influence of smartphones on young people is a topic that is not only present in Syri's life, but also plays a major role in the broader social discussion. According to a report by the WHO 11% of young people show signs of problematic behavior in relation to social media, with girls particularly affected at 13%. Siri herself reported the negative effects of her cell phone use, such as headaches and eye pain that she experiences as a result of excessive use.

Media use and its effects

According to a study by the German Federation of Trade Unions, the proportion of young people with addiction problems with gaming and social media fell slightly, but is still above the pre-Corona level of 2019. Over 25% of 10 to 17 year olds use social media to a problematic extent, with 5% being considered dependent. This shows that the majority of young people, like Siri, are in a constant state of tension between use and overuse. In this context, the @WHO emphasizes the importance of media literacy and dialogue about digital well-being in families and schools.

Although Siri consciously regulates her cell phone use by putting her phone away when visiting her grandma, she remains innovative in many social interactions. For example, she sends goodnight messages to friends and sets her alarm for 6:30 a.m. every weekday so she can get to school on time. But the challenge remains: How much screen time is healthy and at what point does it become problematic?

The role of social media

Siri is part of a generation that uses social networks to maintain friendships and find their identity. According to that Deutschlandfunk Such interactions often lead to creative discussions about body images. Confronting society's expectations, Siri seeks both validation and creative expression in digital spaces.

Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge from the WHO addresses the issue and calls for preventive measures to reduce the risk of problematic use. This includes age restrictions on social media and promoting a healthy school environment. It is necessary that both parents and teachers learn to specifically support young people in their everyday digital lives.

In summary, it is clear that the right level of media usage is of great importance for young people like Siri. While appreciating the benefits of social media and its devices, it is essential to also recognize and respond to the risks. Society has a responsibility to find effective solutions that promote the digital well-being of young people.