Health · Mental Health · 2 days ago
Problematic screen use linked to mental health and sleep risks in young people
A review found that problematic digital media use is linked to mental health difficulties, sleep problems and less physical activity among people under 25.
The review combined 121 studies involving 9 million people.
It does not show that screens cause these problems, or which comes first.
Experts say the key warning signs are loss of control and harm to sleep, responsibilities or relationships—not just the number of hours spent on screens.
A review published in The Lancet analyzed 121 studies involving 9 million people under 25 and found that problematic digital media use was associated with greater risk of psychological distress, sleep difficulties and lower physical activity.
The review does not say that phones, social media or video games are harmful by definition; it focuses on patterns of use that affect well-being or displace activities such as sleeping, studying, exercising and in-person relationships.
Experts interviewed by Infobae said screen time alone is not enough to identify a problem; loss of control and effects on everyday life are more important indicators.
Warning signs described by the experts include difficulty controlling use, unsuccessful attempts to reduce it, excessive concern about being connected and distress when unable to access a device.
The review found associations but did not establish a single cause-and-effect sequence; experts said digital use and emotional difficulties may reinforce each other.
- Who
- People under 25; experts interviewed by Infobae
- What
- A review examined links between problematic digital media use and well-being
- When
- Published on October 10, 2026
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- To describe potential risks and signs of problematic screen use
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
El uso problemático no se define por la cantidad de horas que una persona pasa frente a una pantalla, sino por la relación que establece con la tecnología y las consecuencias que genera en su vida cotidiana
Es importante distinguir asociación de causalidad: los resultados no permiten establecer qué fenómeno aparece primero
Un buen uso tiene que ver con que sea una herramienta, con que tenga un sentido, una adecuación a la vida de la persona
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Studies reviewed
- 121
- People represented in the data
- 9 million people under 25
- Publication date
- October 10, 2026
- Review publisher
- The Lancet
Sources
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