Information is so easily accessible to a vast majority of people of all ages. Of course, this has beneficial applications in the development and innovation of professional spaces and security as well as facilities and infrastructure. However, as much as we hate to admit it, the old people are right. It is that phone.
With individuals across the globe dedicating more than six hours a day to mobile devices, South Africans have been observed to spend the majority of their waking hours fixed on their screens, surpassing any other nation in the world.
Over fifty percent of the South African population is engaged online, due to the increasing internet usage throughout the country. In a 2024 report Electronics Hub examined the amount of time people in 45 countries spend using various devices. The study covers the overall average time as well as specific usage for cell phones, computers, gaming consoles, and social media. According to the report, South Africans spend an average of 58.2% of their day in front of screens, including computers and mobile devices, more than any other country.
“Our analysis shows that users in South Africa have the most screen time, with 22.5% of their days dedicated to scrolling social media,” said the report.
Scrolling social media has evidently become a larger part of the daily routines of South Africans. The average amount of time spent approximates the time one would spend on traditional hobbies.
Having instant access to information can assist in educational, professional and daily tasks. The sinister flip side is the impact that this access is having on the youth. Algorithms are tailored to the interest of individuals which means we are more likely to see content and advertising based on what they like or what they may be interested in. Targeted ads are shown to a curated audience based on demographics such as geographic location, age and gender. This means that we are less likely to come across content from a perspective contrary to one that we personally hold. This can be observed in the way that personal opinions are expressed as fact as opposed to an individual perspective. Due to mainly, if not only, interacting with posts that we agree and are likely to agree with. This ties into the notion that if you hear something often enough you will believe it to be true. Additionally, this notion can recoil the inclination to think critically.
In the Information Age where knowledge is available at the touch of a screen, gradual learning is becoming a tedious task.
The Information Age is a historical period that began in the mid-20th century and is defined by the dominance of information technology over traditional industries. It’s also known as the Digital Age, the Computer Age, and the New Media Age.
It is true that educators are some of the unsung heroes of our society. Their days do not begin and end with a school bell. They spend an extensive amount of time preparing lessons, setting and marking tests as well as running extracurricular activities. A high school English teacher, who facilitates the Matric Dance Committee at the school she works at, expressed that she has seen a concerning rate of disinterest. Not only students’ relationship to learning, but also a decrease in curiosity, personal investment in their education and an indifference to participating in activities outside of school. The young teacher recalled reading motivation letters to join the Matric Dance Committee and becoming instantly aware that approximately half of the letters were AI generated. The brief was to write a paragraph of 200 words about yourself and why you want to be on the committee. It became evident that the students could not express who they are nor why they were interested in being a part of the committee. One might argue that this is a tedious task, however it is a requirement in order to submit the application. A real world example would be when companies require a cover letter in order to complete a job application.
The same teacher also expressed that school events are poorly attended. The school has learned to cater for a significantly lower number of people than were invited, due to the knowledge that the event will be poorly attended.
There is a noteworthy connection between the ease and immediacy of information access and the diminishing enthusiasm among young people to dedicate their time and effort to classwork, assignments, extracurricular activities, and hobbies.This trend raises concerns about the potential impact on cognitive development, social skills, and overall well-being. Educators and parents are increasingly challenged to find ways to balance technology use with meaningful offline activities that foster creativity, critical thinking, and interpersonal relationships.
Initiatives aimed at promoting digital literacy and responsible usage are becoming essential. Encouraging young individuals to participate in screen-free experiences, such as outdoor activities, arts, and community service, can help nurture a more well-rounded lifestyle. Additionally, integrating technology in educational settings to enhance learning rather than distract from it is crucial for adapting to this digital age.
With thoughtful guidance and mindful practices, it is possible to harness the benefits of technology while mitigating its potential downsides, paving the way for a healthier, more balanced relationship with screens.