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The Conceptual and Methodological Mayhem of “Screen Time”

Author

Listed:
  • Linda K. Kaye

    (Department of Psychology, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk L39 4QP, UK)

  • Amy Orben

    (Emmanuel College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3AP, UK
    MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 7EF, UK)

  • David A. Ellis

    (School of Management, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK)

  • Simon C. Hunter

    (Department of Psychology, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK
    Graduate School of Education, University of Western Australia, 6009 Perth, Australia)

  • Stephen Houghton

    (Graduate School of Education, University of Western Australia, 6009 Perth, Australia)

Abstract

Debates concerning the impacts of screen time are widespread. Existing research presents mixed findings, and lacks longitudinal evidence for any causal or long-term effects. We present a critical account of the current shortcomings of the screen time literature. These include poor conceptualisation, the use of non-standardised measures that are predominantly self-report, and issues with measuring screen time over time and context. Based on these issues, we make a series of recommendations as a basis for furthering academic and public debate. These include drawing on a user-focused approach in order to seek the various affordances gained from “screen use”. Within this, we can better understand the way in which these vary across time and context, and make distinction between objective measures of “screen time” compared to those more subjective experiences of uses or affordances, and the differential impacts these may bring.

Suggested Citation

  • Linda K. Kaye & Amy Orben & David A. Ellis & Simon C. Hunter & Stephen Houghton, 2020. "The Conceptual and Methodological Mayhem of “Screen Time”," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-10, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:10:p:3661-:d:361861
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Byron Reeves & Thomas Robinson & Nilam Ram, 2020. "Time for the Human Screenome Project," Nature, Nature, vol. 577(7790), pages 314-317, January.
    2. Hunt Allcott & Luca Braghieri & Sarah Eichmeyer & Matthew Gentzkow, 2020. "The Welfare Effects of Social Media," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 110(3), pages 629-676, March.
    3. Amy Orben & Andrew K. Przybylski, 2019. "The association between adolescent well-being and digital technology use," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 3(2), pages 173-182, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sarahjane Belton & Johann Issartel & Stephen Behan & Hannah Goss & Cameron Peers, 2021. "The Differential Impact of Screen Time on Children’s Wellbeing," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-14, August.

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