Growing up, I often wondered why my parents would stress the importance of spending time outside, enjoying fresh air and sunshine. Only later did I realize the crucial role this played in promoting our mental wellbeing. Modern society is witnessing a rise in technological advancements which, despite their benefits, pose potential threats to mental and physical health, especially among younger and older generations.
A Daily Mail article from January 2023 indicated that during the pandemic, children’s screen time surged by over 50%, translating to an extra 80 minutes per day. Although using digital devices isn’t inherently harmful, lack of breaks and moderation can trigger adverse effects on health. The Manchester Evening News reported in October 2022 that Brits dedicate an astonishing 13 hours daily to screens, leading to a total of 198 days annually. This translates to 75% of waking hours spent with screens, raising significant health concerns.
It’s essential to understand that individual health and wellbeing require personal effort and commitment. Factors such as community life and social connections significantly contribute to our wellbeing. The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the harm that loneliness and social isolation inflict on health. Deprivation of social interaction has severe implications for all ages.
Social connection is a fundamental human need, as highlighted in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. After the basic needs of food, water, and safety, love and belonging are vital, encompassing interpersonal relationships, intimacy, and group integration. Neglecting these social needs can increase anxiety and depression, disrupt emotional regulation, damage self-esteem and empathy, and even impair immune function.
The modern era, however, has been marked by widespread social disconnection, a significant departure from the outdoor play and social gatherings of 20-30 years ago. These previous times were characterized by minimum technology use, group activities, and more robust social discourse. Today, this disconnection, resulting from minimal social activities, correlates with negative health effects, including early mortality and deteriorating mental wellbeing.
Improving our health and wellbeing to reduce strain on healthcare settings requires proactive action. Establishing connected communities allows individuals to access networks of social support, reducing isolation and fostering better wellbeing. In short, communities play an essential role in health improvement, and we must work to reintegrate social connections into our lives.
Mark Kwabia