Comment by hn_throwaway_99 | Hacker News Reader

Comment by hn_throwaway_99 | Hacker News Reader

Parent Full thread

hn_throwaway_99

> Technology and screen time aren't the problems; it's the lack of passion and interests that is the root problem.

Hard disagree. Many passions and interests take time to develop, and a big way they (used to, at least) develop naturally is through boredom. I remember well when I was a kid in the 80s who would get bored with my friends in the summer, and so we'd go and build forts or explore (illegally I guess) houses that were still under construction. A lot has been written about "the death of boredom" because smartphones are always there to give you that little dopamine fix to keep boredom at bay.

I agree with the general thrust of your post (technology is pretty unavoidable, and I've never seen a case where parents have been successful "hiding their kids from the real world" past a certain age), but I do think technology has had a severe negative impact on the mental development of youths since the advent of the smartphone, similar to how modern diets have had a severe negative impact to the development of their bodies.

Boredom is useless if kids don't have interests and avenues to pursue them. Nearly every child who attends school experiences hours of forced boredom every day, but that doesn't necessarily yield positive results. While I understand your point about smartphones serving as a constant "dopamine fix," I believe that educating kids on responsible tech use is the solution, not artificial limits that don't address the core issues. In addition, boredom is neither the only nor the most effective avenue for discovering one's passion. A more proactive approach involves exposing your children to a wide variety of activities and interests while instilling the right mindset in them.

I'm not advocating for unrestricted technology use; rather, I'm pushing for a more nuanced approach. I acknowledge that technology, when misused, can have negative impacts, much like poor dietary habits can have physical repercussions. However, the focus should be on the quality of engagement over simply counting screen time. Guide your children towards finding their passions and setting corresponding goals. This will foster intrinsic motivation, helping them utilize their time more effectively—whether you are present or not.

The problem, I think, is that in our generation many of us had at least some freedom to leave home and roam and socialize when we were bored. Nowadays bored children don't have the same escape valves as we had.

This is not an argument defending screen time, just recognizing that it is a difficult problem with no easy solutions.

It’s on us to allow our kids to free roam and stop being subject to social pressure that leaving them be is bad or risky.

I totally agree with that. Easier said than done, though, if you live somewhere where this is not the norm and you may get scolded by the authorities (luckily not my case).

Reply on news.ycombinator.com