Tag Archives: screen

How Concerned Should You Be About Screen Time?

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Marco Piunti/Getty Images

Hold on, take a moment. How often do you find yourself on your phone today? Is social media impacting your mental health negatively? We ask this frequently, but should we genuinely be concerned about screen time?

Numerous studies examine screen time, many revealing associations between screen use and an array of health issues, including depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, obesity, diabetes, and even suicidal thoughts. The implications seem dire.

However, I have a question. Are screens themselves the root cause of these issues, or is it that poor health leads to more screen time, or could an unidentified third factor be affecting both?

Most studies merely display correlations between screen time and various health outcomes and thus are unable to establish causation. Pinpointing the true impact of screen time is a much more intricate task.

To clarify these relationships, researchers perform meta-analyses employing advanced statistical methods to unify hundreds of robust studies, which helps reduce the perceived dangers.

I have a particular interest in one meta-analysis. Conducted in 2019, researchers Amy Orben and Andrew Przybylski, then from the University of Oxford, evaluated a vast dataset of teenage surveys, allowing them to measure the effects of over 20,000 different factors on mental health.

Upon analyzing the data, they determined that only 0.4 percent of adolescent well-being is tied to screen use, revealing a level of negative impact similar to eating potatoes. In contrast, being bullied was linked to more than four times this negative effect, while sufficient sleep and a nutritious breakfast yielded significantly more positive outcomes.

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What the data appear to indicate is that, on average, at the population level, both the positive and negative effects of screens are minimal.
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So, is screen time acceptable? Again, let’s not rush to conclusions. Although this research looks at the relationship between screen time and mental health within a broader context, these findings still represent merely correlations. Human lives are complex, making it challenging to derive clear causal connections from messy data.

A helpful approach might involve reconsidering what screen time truly means. Activities like watching TV, browsing social media, gaming, reading e-books, and listening to science journalists discussing screen time all require looking at a screen, but can we assume they all exert the same influence on our health?

Many studies fail to adopt a nuanced perspective on this topic, simply tallying screen time. To complicate matters further, it’s widely known that this information is often self-reported, leading to inaccuracies. (Let’s be honest; we’ve all embellished the truth about our screen usage.)

Focusing solely on social media usage unveils further complexity. Engaging in political debates until the early hours on X while messaging friends via WhatsApp both qualify as social media activity, yet do they yield identical outcomes? The forthcoming meta-analysis will be published in a 2024 issue of SSM – mental health. Their findings indicate a slight positive correlation between happiness and using social media for communication or having a broad social media network, along with a minor negative correlation between social comparison and problematic social media practices, often referred to as social media “addiction.” None of these insights are particularly unexpected.

So where does this leave us? Given the potential risks involved, adopting a precautionary approach, especially regarding children, could be wise. Governments in the UK and Australia have implemented measures to significantly reduce screen time or to restrict specific technologies, such as social media.

Yet, there’s also the concern that imposing such limits could mean missing out on the valuable benefits screen time offers, such as access to information, social interactions, and entertainment. Data suggests that, on average, a range of factors indicates that the positive and negative effects of screens are relatively minor at the population level. However, that doesn’t mean some individuals don’t suffer more severe consequences, the so-called problematic users mentioned earlier, and we need to delve deeper to support them.

In light of all this, how concerned should you be about screen time? The answer is nuanced and continues to evolve with ongoing research. If you notice screens significantly affecting your life, altering your habits or seeking professional advice may prove beneficial. For most of us, however, the concern over screen use should not rank high on our lists of worries, nor should it dominate headlines.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The Turning Point: My Decision to Reduce Screen Time – A Regretful Choice

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I
unlocked my iPhone just as my weekly screen time notifications popped up—an accidental dismissal before I could take a screenshot—and a wave of frustration washed over me. After dedicating an exhausting week to minimizing my phone usage, aiming to reduce my daily screen time from over four hours to under one, I hoped to enhance my mental wellbeing (and maybe even launch a career as an inspirational speaker). Yet, my efforts felt futile as I couldn’t post any proof online showcasing my offline status. I even contemplated using Photoshop to fabricate a screen time report and scoured Google for a way to retrieve notifications (to no avail).

Over the last decade or so, I’ve tried various self-improvement approaches. I’ve read 105 books in a year, unintentionally eliminated sugar (even from fruit) for a spell, and dabbled in shamanism, including interpretive dance. While I might suggest mastering cooking, driving, and typing with all fingers, I can’t seem to reach myself since I’ve stopped staring at my phone.




Exchange one obsession for another… Joe Stone of Tenerife.
Photo: Courtesy of Joe Stone

“Project Screen Time” was born after I listened to a podcast where comedians recommended avoiding social media for two hours after waking. Absorbing this advice—albeit from an amateur who couldn’t quite trace its origin—I decided to avoid checking Instagram first thing in the morning… and it worked. Surprisingly, steering clear of a barrage of other people’s abs before I’d fully woken up actually lifted my spirits. Even more impressively, I found I could usually hold off until after lunch if I didn’t see anything I felt compelled to react to. This brief moment of clarity quickly morphed into a whirlwind, typical of my approach to new challenges.

I swapped one fixation (constantly checking my phone) for another (intentionally not doing so). In the second week, my screen time plummeted to two hours a day. By the third week, it was down to one-and-a-half hours, and I decided to aim for under 60 minutes. A part of me was impressed that this newfound ability was working well and I appeared to be normal. However, I couldn’t keep this “gift” to myself, gradually boring my friends, acquaintances, and even service workers with tales of my newfound discipline.

Eventually, my quest took on new disruptions. I resented having to pull up maps on my phone, and while cycling, I often found myself lost. Want to show someone a photo or meme? Sorry, you’ll have to Google it on their device instead. I even hesitated to order an Uber after a night out, enduring the agony of watching the app slowly crawl toward my location while my screen time ticked away.


My frustration amplified when my screen time statistics didn’t reflect my efforts. I barely glanced at my phone by 2 PM, yet the data indicated I had used it for 36 minutes. Conspiratorial thoughts began to surface. My screen time report was divided into blue (social), turquoise (entertainment), and orange (productivity and finance). Yet, the majority of my time appeared as a prominent gray. What on earth could that gray signify?!

Eventually, “screen time” was added to my list of taboo topics (along with Taylor Swift’s music and lore, and my interest in Ron DeSantis) that were off-limits at home. My lowest moment occurred while sharing my weekly statistics with a friend. He inquired why “Settings” was my third most-used app. That was simply where I went to check my screen time.

My meltdown over not being able to celebrate my record low screen time (51 minutes a day!) served as a wake-up call. What started as a quest to reduce screen time morphed into a new phone addiction. Instead of escaping the urge to seek validation online, I found an alternate way to gain approval. Nevertheless, all was not lost. This realization nudged me toward the acceptance that I would likely never be a moderate person. I can’t rely on self-regulation (my latest regime—skin care—involves LED masks that automatically shut off after 10 minutes; I fear wearing them in the office could evoke comparisons to a vibrant Hannibal Lecter).

Ultimately, I gave up trying to recapture the elusive Screen Time Report. Instead, I resolved to share fewer aesthetic charts from settings that I could post online. Almost instantly, my DMs exploded with queries about how I managed to refrain from scrolling. I responded to every single one, and a rush of dopamine flooded my reward centers. That day, my screen time was recorded at 3 hours and 36 minutes.

Do you have any thoughts on the issues raised in this article? If you wish to send a response of up to 300 words for consideration in our Letters section, please click here.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Grayscale and Prune Algorithm: “Digital Nutritionist” Provides Tips for Reducing Screen Time

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A professor, now regarded as a “digital nutritionist,” suggests that disabling the color on your phone and dedicating 30 minutes a week to pruning your online feeds can enhance consumers’ control over their digital media consumption.

These strategies, termed grayscale and algorithmic tolerance, are part of Dr. Kaitlyn Regehr’s many recommendations. She is an associate professor at the University of London and a prominent authority on digital literacy.

While much of the conversation centers on social media’s negative effects on children, Regehr’s focus is on combating digital illiteracy among parents, empowering them to better understand and use their children’s devices safely and effectively.

In her upcoming book, Smartphone Nation, Regehr advises taking an initial step by performing a digital “walkthrough” of your preferred app alongside friends and family.

“Switching your phone to GreyScale is one of the easiest and quickest methods to grasp how colors and images impact your user experience,” she notes. “This experience allows you to feel the addictive nature of these devices through their visual elements.”

Users can find instructions for this feature in Google Help for Android devices or Apple Support for iPhones.

On the flip side, algorithm resistance focuses on taking charge of the algorithm rather than allowing it to dictate your preferences. Thus, Regehr advocates for being deliberate about what you wish to see in your feed, and filtering out unwanted content for 30 minutes each week.

“When I had concerns about my family’s digital consumption… I struggled to find adequate guidance,” Regehr shares in her book. “I developed a framework to help myself and my family navigate the digital landscape. I came to see myself as a digital nutritionist.”

In a conversation with the Guardian, she expressed her support for school smartphone bans and initiatives promoting a smartphone-free childhood, but highlighted the necessity for more education to encourage families to think critically about their digital choices.

“Even if parents postpone giving their children smartphones until they are 15, they will still turn 16. It’s essential to equip them with the tools to navigate this environment effectively,” she emphasized. “Education on how these devices operate is crucial.”

Her forthcoming book, “Why Are We All Obsessed with the Screen and What You Can Do About It,” aims to bridge this knowledge gap, with new educational resources set to be introduced in schools later this month.

As per the UK’s first national survey, nearly all schools in the country have implemented a ban on mobile phone usage during school hours.

Driven by worries regarding children’s mental health, attention span, and online safety, a survey of over 15,000 schools revealed that 99.8% of primary schools and 90% of secondary schools enforce some form of ban.

“I advocate for my efforts towards a smartphone-free childhood,” stated Regehr, who directs the digital humanities program at UCL and previously explored the rapid amplification of extreme misogynistic content through social media algorithms. “My concern is that enforcing the ban can lead schools and lawmakers to feel complacent, believing they’ve fulfilled their responsibilities.”

Dedicated to two young girls, Regehr’s book aims to prompt a cultural shift. “I aspire to reflect on our generation as being less healthy and more skillfully ensnared, akin to looking back on previous norms like smoking in delivery rooms and not using seatbelts.”

“My aim is to foster cultural change to ensure their lives are better. This represents the largest threat to their health and well-being, and that is the challenge I wish to tackle. I believe change is possible; people simply need access to information.”

Smartphone Nation: Why We’re All Obsessed with Screens and What You Can Do by Dr. Kaitlyn Regehr is set to be published by Bluebird on May 15th.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Artists bring data to life through stunning screen prints

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Feather foil print. The barb on the right represents the population of British bird species from 40 years ago. The left shows the current population size.

Rebecca Kay

Rebecca Kay is also known as her alias ploterre With the help of hard data and clever design, turn the idle thoughts that occur while cycling into beautiful prints.

Edinburgh, UK, studied mathematics, worked as a data researcher, and developed her art as a side job. Covid-19 was then a hit, and she jumped into art full-time.

Her work inevitably begins outside in nature and arrives as an ever-inquisitive thought. How do tide ages change around the coast, where do oxai daisies grow across the UK, or how do the unique flashing patterns of lighthouses differ?

“Usually, I’d be wondering why the leaf pattern looks like it is, and most people would just keep walking and forget about it,” Kay said. “I turned it into a bit of a job.”

Ash Rise Weathering Letter Press Print. Using data from the UK Meteorological Service, each growth ring represents a year, with thin lines representing daily rainfall and gaps between lines representing daily temperatures.

Rebecca Kay

Once she gets an idea, the data hunt begins. The most recent question that came to mind was whether it was always raining somewhere in the UK. That led to her review of 130 years of records, leading to a perhaps surprising, pessimistic discovery.

Once the visual design is sketched on paper, Kay relies on computers to distort data into design, consolidating information and forms into a single piece that tells the story. This ultimately leads to a finished design that is screen printed by hand.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Review of Amazon’s Kindle Colorsoft: New Color Screen Upgrades for E-Reader

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aMazon’s first Kindle with a color screen faced significant challenges, including a rough landing, yellow screen issues, and shipping delays last year. However, with these issues resolved, could the introduction of color screens revolutionize the e-reader market?


While Amazon was not the first to utilize Color E-Ink screens in its e-readers, the company believes that the technology has significantly improved over the past four years. Competitors like Boox and Kobo offer greater contrast and speed, enhancing the overall reading experience.

Priced at £270 (€300/$280), the Kindle Colorsoft exceeds the £125 black and white Paperwhite model it is based on. It is also more expensive than its top-tier color E-Ink rivals. Positioned below the larger 10.2-inch Scribe tablet, Colorsoft is Amazon’s top 7-inch model.




Regular textbooks resemble a monochrome Kindle, lacking added colors. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Despite the new screen technology, Colorsoft retains the traditional Kindle design. It features a smooth black plastic back and a matte touchscreen on the front, with only a power button next to the USB-C port for physical controls. Page turns and other functions are all touchscreen-based.

Compared to black and white books, the grayscale on Colorsoft appears slightly grayish. However, page turns are swift and text remains clear and legible. The adjustable front light with 24 brightness levels and automatic adjustment based on time of day works effectively.

The color screen enhances browsing in libraries and Kindle stores by displaying book covers in color. Diagrams, maps, and photos within books are now rendered in color, aiding comprehension. Users can highlight passages in various colors and easily navigate through content. When a color image covers one-third of the screen, the entire display shifts to color.




While comic pages are visible on the 7-inch screen, some text may require zooming for comfortable reading. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The matte screen on Colorsoft may not be as vibrant as that of a phone or tablet, resembling newspaper printing rather than glossy magazines. However, with increased brightness and vibrant color mode, Colorsoft effectively presents graphic novel artwork.

Reading texts within speech bubbles may pose a challenge due to the 7-inch screen’s size when viewing a full comic page. The Panel view mode on Kindle displays multiple panels simultaneously, though zooming and panning on the Colorsoft touchscreen provide a faster and smoother reading experience.

One of Kindle’s key advantages is Amazon’s extensive e-book store, catering to a wide range of genres including comics and graphic novels. Amazon’s acquisition of Comixology in 2014 expanded the library offerings, seamlessly integrating with the Kindle store.




Zoom in to see the artwork details and read the text easily. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Users can load Epub or PDF files onto their Kindle and purchase books from sources other than Amazon, though only documents sent via Amazon’s Send to Kindle Service will display color on Colorsoft.

Colorsoft would benefit from improved library management capabilities, especially for users with extensive collections of comics and books. While Kindle offers book and manga filters, graphic novels may not be identified as manga. However, the filter functionality works with the Kindle app on tablets.

specifications

  • screen: 7-inch color e-paper (B&W 300ppi; 150ppi)

  • size: 127.6 x 176.7 x 7.8mm

  • Weight: 219g

  • water resistance: IPX8 (2m up to 60 minutes)

  • Connectivity: Wifi 5, Bluetooth

  • Storage: 32GB

  • Battery life: 28 hours of reading




A full charge of ColorSoft with a 9W USB-C power adapter (not included) takes about 2.5 hours. It also supports wireless charging. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The battery life of Colorsoft varies slightly due to the color screen, but in testing, it outlasted Amazon’s estimates. Reading a standard black and white book at 40% brightness yielded about 45 hours, dropping to approximately 32 hours when reading a color graphic novel at 70% brightness. Standby battery life was also impressive, with less than 1% drain per day with the Power Save option enabled.

Sustainability




The smooth plastic back feels good in your hand, but it’s no different from the much cheaper Kindle. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Colorsoft will receive software and security updates from Amazon for a minimum of four years. The battery’s expected lifespan is not specified, but it should endure over 500 full charge cycles at 80% capacity. Repair options availability varies by region. The device contains 28% recycled materials, including cobalt, magnesium, and plastic.

Amazon offers trade-in and recycling programs, detailed in the environmental impact report of Kindle Colorsoft here.

price

The price of the Kindle Colorsoft is £269.99 (€299.99/$279.99).

Comparatively, the standard Kindle is priced at £79.99, Kindle Paperwhite at £124.99, Kindle Scribe at £379.99, Kobo Libra Color at £199.99, and Boox Go Color 7 at €279.99. The iPad costs £329.

verdict

Despite its rocky start, Colorsoft demonstrates the potential of Color E-Ink technology. It is poised to become the standard for e-book readers, enhancing not only manga and graphic novels but also regular books with color illustrations.

Viewing book covers and images in color elevates the reading experience without significant drawbacks compared to black and white models. Manga also appears engaging, making outdoor reading on Kindle more enjoyable than on a tablet. However, the 7-inch screen may be insufficient for a detailed graphic novel experience, requiring a larger display like that of an iPad.

Despite its price point, Colorsoft lacks the luxurious feel of higher-end Kindle models such as Oasis. It embodies a utilitarian approach akin to the Paperwhite model.

While the color screen on Colorsoft is impressive, the cost may be hard to justify for a screen of this size primarily suited for standard text. Purchasing during a promotional offer may mitigate any reservations. For users experiencing issues like a yellow tint on the screen, contacting Amazon support for a replacement is recommended.

Strong Points: The vivid color and black-and-white book images, water resistance, fast pinch-and-zoom, extended battery life, automatic front light adjustment, USB-C connectivity.

Cons: Black-and-white page screen flashes, absence of physical page turn buttons, high cost, limited 7-inch screen for detailed graphics, less vibrant than tablets, ecosystem lock-in with Amazon.


www.theguardian.com

The Beast Game blurs the line between YouTube and TV with Double Screen Concept

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bThe reality competition series of East Games and Amazon Prime Video is hosted by YouTubers
MrBeastnot a well-made show. That’s certainly
expensive Show, Beast, the alter ego of Jimmy Donaldson, 26, of Greenville, North Carolina, likes to remind viewers frequently. The series is a shocking feat for viewers outside of YouTube territory, especially Donaldson’s territory: 1,000 contestants, and 1,000 contestants filmed on a 1,107 camera system, $5 million They fight each other with the prize money. Donaldson. For the competition, Donaldson and his group designed warehouse war zones modeled after the squid game of the Netflix dystopian series, built bespoke cities, and purchased private islands (and also included Lamborghini and others). (It will be given along with other gorgeous prizes). The contestants who are eliminated in the first episode are dropped into invisible depths through the trapdoor. There is a pirate ship with cannons.

But due to all the exaggerated displays of wealth, the show still looks terrible. Many point out that the central conceit of the show has broken Americans’ psychological battles for abandoned it and lavish prizes. For our age of clothing, Donaldson a Self-style Willy Wonka figure.

Certainly, Beast Games has rotten rot, but it’s a terrible, compelling core, but it also conveys its surface. At the style level, the show erases any remaining lines between YouTube and TV. Beast Games has a higher production budget than any of MrBeast’s YouTube videos, reaching over 360 million subscribers in 15-30 minutes. (Almost everything incorporates the concept of a basic magnet, bound by the ocean, stuck in the great pyramids, or helping the blind man to see again. looks Like YouTube content, content is an operator word (Donaldson made the first three episodes available on YouTube).

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/37ZG9lddxto?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="Beast Games – Official Trailer | Prime Video" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

And it’s popular. Beast Games is currently from Amazon Prime Video The least viewed non-script series So far, it has reached 50 million viewers in 25 days (although it is worth noting that Amazon has not disclosed what counts as “viewers”). It reached number one on Amazon in 80 countries. According to Netflix, in 2021, Squid Game reached 142 million households for reference. The show is not a change of ocean. Many reality shows look awful. Many Americans have long consumed YouTube videos as sources of entertainment, but as television changes both shape and function, it’s a line in the sand.

What is TV in 2025? Is it a device? style? format? It’s hard to say – the content is Shift from linear platforms to streaming platforms device usage shifts to YouTube. In the US, people watch YouTube on TV more than any other device, CEO Neal Mohan declared in him Annual letter This month, “YouTube is a new TV.” YouTube doesn’t make television in itself, but it does. Global viewers Streaming According to the company, last year there was over 100 million hours of “content” on television screens. 400m hours Probably an audio-only podcast month. The company closed its original division in 2022, but is now promoting children’s entertainment. We are looking for a dedicated head of family entertainment and learning Second half of 2024.

Functionally, YouTube may not be as new as the next evolution. Formally, they are converging. YouTube talent (and digitally native influencers like Tiktok talent) I had a hard time breaking into Hollywood. Despite the vast numbers of fans, the spirit of the platform – the incentive structure of more eyeballs, ring light glare, the maximalist aesthetic for the biggest audience – is a dovetail with evolving Hollywood logic.

As one Mrbeast director I said time: “These algorithms are toxic to humanity. They prioritize addictive isolated experiences over ethical social design, all with advertising alone. That’s not MrBeast I have a problem. Next It’s a platform that encourages someone like me to study holding graphs so that videos can be made more addictive. In other words, value-neutral entertainment for the arts. Content as a means of end. This isn’t much different from the business logic of streaming platforms. Hollywood has its own race for its viewers. The rise of mid-TV, Major cheap Netflix gloss, Infinite scrolls in the “Content” library – It reflects the spirit of MrBeast’s lowest common denominator attention economy.

After all, Donaldson leads the Amazon show, which styled after the Netflix original series. This is explicitly fixed in “entertainment.” The show, as it says, “making history of entertainment,” is the biggest, brightest, most shocking, and most interesting. Similarly, products with no complexity, value, or even storytelling, due to the one value of attracting attention. Using Entertainment’s MrBeast-Ifive as Vox’s Rebecca Jennings Please put it downthe line between content, entertainment, television and influencers is more blurry than before. He went beyond what divisions remained – does Hollywood subscribe?

Source: www.theguardian.com

Postponing the gift of a cell phone annually offers significant advantages: Managing screen time for children everywhere.

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Despite the availability of affordable cell phones, parents have new ways to stay connected with their children. However, this development has also sparked debates on screen time, safety, and social media.

As worries about phone usage rise and the age at which children get their first mobile phone decreases, countries worldwide are considering ways to address this issue in schools and homes.

While there’s no single solution, various action plans and suggestions are being explored, ranging from strict laws to grassroots initiatives.

Our correspondent delves into some of the noteworthy solutions to screen time as Australia and Spain gear up to implement stringent laws to combat the problem.

Australia: “Ensuring our children have a good childhood.”

In a significant move, Australia recently passed a law prohibiting social media use for under-16s, although specifics regarding its implementation and application are unclear.

While some Australian states already ban mobile phones in schools, a new federal ban aims to completely restrict social media usage for children under 16 by year-end. The law grants the communications minister authority to determine which platforms are restricted, likely including Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

YouTube is expected to be exempt due to its claimed educational benefits.

The legislation mandates platforms to verify users’ ages and take necessary steps to ensure compliance, with penalties of up to A$50m for non-compliance. Trials for age verification technology are ongoing, including facial age estimation and other authentication methods.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that the ban aims to offer children “a childhood”, encouraging them to engage in outdoor activities and sports instead of being glued to their phones.

Josh Taylor, Melbourne

Spain: “You can use ours.”

Spain’s government is proposing a bill to raise the minimum age for social media account registration from 14 to 16, along with mandatory age verification measures for tech companies.

Additionally, the bill suggests default parental controls on smartphones and a national education campaign to educate children and teens on responsible social media usage.

An expert panel has recommended including warning labels on digital devices sold in Spain to inform consumers of the health risks associated with social media and technology.

In Barcelona’s Poblenou district, parents initiated a campaign to delay children’s access to mobile phones until age 16. This movement quickly spread across Catalonia, emphasizing the importance of holding off on phone ownership until a later age.

Major project spokesperson Nuria González Rojas noted the significant impact of delaying mobile phone ownership, with over 72% of Spanish children owning smartphones by age 12.

In another initiative, Basque parents’ organization Archa Brua is piloting schemes to delay mobile phone ownership with support from schools, families, and local businesses.

Sam Jones, Madrid

France: “Take back control of your screen”

French President Emmanuel Macron commissioned a report urging a reassessment of screen usage to safeguard children’s well-being and democracy’s future.

The report advocates for delaying smartphone usage until age 13, restricting access to social media until 18, and banning mobile phones with internet access until after school hours.

Experts stress the need to shield children from profit-focused tech influences due to adverse effects on vision, sleep, and overall health.

Macron urges ministers to consider and implement the report’s recommendations.

Angelique Chrysafis (Paris)

Italy: school ban

Italy has issued a blanket ban on smartphones and tablets in primary and middle school classrooms, citing disruptive incidents like physical altercations between students and teachers.

Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara supports efforts to ban mobile phones for children under 14 and social media profiles for those under 16.

Angela Giuffrida (Rome)

Germany: “The longer we can delay children from using smartphones, the better.”

German schools can’t outright ban cellphones, but restrictions on their use in classrooms and during breaks are in place.

Efforts to enhance digital literacy among youth are encouraged, with calls in some regions for total bans on mobile phones in elementary schools.

Pediatric experts advocate delaying smartphone ownership until age 11 to protect children’s development, noting adverse effects on mental health and well-being from early exposure to social media.

Despite concerns surrounding smartphones, Germany’s decentralized governance system means a national policy remains elusive.

Deborah Cole, Berlin

Source: www.theguardian.com

Review of Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2: Improved chip speed and screen brightness

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With brighter screens, new hands-free gestures, and faster speeds for the first time in years, Apple’s smartwatch has firmly established itself as the market leader.


The Apple Watch Series 9 will be available in a variety of sizes and materials, with prices starting at £399 (€449 / $399 / AU$649), a £20 reduction in the UK. It will launch alongside the Ultra 2, which costs £799 (€899 / $799 / AU$1,399), £50 cheaper than last year’s model.

Both watches look similar to their predecessors on the outside, with the Series 9 sporting a slimmer, pillow-shaped shape and available in 41mm or 45mm size options, while the 49mm Ultra 2 sports a chunkier look with a sturdy titanium shell and oversized buttons.

New this year are significantly brighter screens. The Series 9 is twice as bright as last year’s Series 8, with a maximum brightness of 2,000. LiceThat puts it on par with rival Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 6, and it has the same maximum brightness as the iPhone 15 Pro Max. A brighter screen makes it easier to read in direct sunlight, which is especially important for a watch.

The Ultra 2 goes even further, with a screen that can hit an impressive 3,000 nits at peak, which is 50% brighter than last year’s model. The super-bright screen is almost overkill unless you’re hiking through the desert, but you can unleash maximum brightness with the built-in torch mode to better light your way.

New, faster chips


Siri requests for apps, timers, and other simple actions are now much faster and more reliable, even when you’re out of range of your iPhone. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The new S9 chip in both watches is the first to offer a significant speed boost since the S6 in 2020. The 30% performance increase isn’t dramatic for everyday activities, except for interactions with Siri, many of which are now handled on the watch. Setting timers, taking calls and other simple interactions are quicker without an iPhone or data connection. Voice input for messages and notes is also up to 25% more accurate, making it faster to send replies without a phone call.

Battery life for both models is around 36 hours for the Series 9 and 70 hours for the Ultra 2, enough for a full day and night, or nearly three days, on a single charge.

Double Tap is coming soon


The double pinch gesture is simple and easy to perform, making it especially useful for quick actions like silencing a timer when your other hand is occupied. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Apple also added a new gesture for hands-free use of the Watch: “Double Tap,” which recognizes pinching your finger and thumb together twice, which is a simplified version of one of Apple’s existing gestures. AssistiveTouch accessibility features It’s for watches, but it’s faster and has become a standard part of every interface.

A double pinch will silence alarms and timers, start or end calls, and perform other basic actions. This feature only works when the screen is active, so the watch is facing you and can’t be accidentally activated. This feature requires the watchOS 10.1 update. It’s currently being tested in the public beta, but is working very well and should be fully rolled out by the end of October.

Sustainability

Apple doesn’t disclose the expected lifespan of the battery, but it is expected to last for more than 500 full charge cycles, retain at least 80% of its original capacity, and is replaceable. £95Repair costs Between £309 and £509 Varies by model.

They contain recycled aluminum, titanium, cobalt, copper, gold, plastic, rare earth elements, tin, and tungsten. Apple offers trade-ins and free recycling for its devices, and the report details the environmental impact of each watch.

price

The Series 9 comes in two sizes (41 and 45mm), a choice of materials, and a 4G option that requires an e-SIM-compatible phone plan add-on. Prices start from £399 ($399/AU$649), with the 4G model costing an extra £100 ($100/AU$160). The Ultra 2 costs £799 ($799/AU$1,399).

By comparison, the Apple Watch SE costs £259, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 costs £289, and the Google Pixel Watch 2 costs £269. £349The Garmin Venu 3 costs £449, while the Garmin Epix Pro costs £829.

verdict

Apple’s smartwatch didn’t need much to keep it in the top spot, but both the Series 9 and Ultra 2 look the same but with small but meaningful updates that are hard to beat.

The significantly brighter screen makes a big difference when you’re outside and want to see the time, alerts, and activity stats at a glance, and the faster chip means this watch will stay fast for years to come, making interactions with Siri super-fast, even when your phone isn’t nearby.

The upcoming double-tap gesture is also a handy addition, making tasks like checking train times a little easier when you’re rushing with your luggage.

If you want the best smartwatch for your iPhone, it’s hard to beat the Apple Watch, either model.


When the double-tap gesture is recognized, the watch vibrates and a notification pops up, here we are scrolling through widgets on the watch face. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com

Windows computers worldwide suffer massive outage due to Blue Screen of Death

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If you see a blue screen, it’s bad news

Alex Photostock/Alamy

A large number of Microsoft Windows computers around the world today were found to be unable to boot, instead displaying the so-called “Blue Screen of Death” (BSOD), among the computers reportedly affected, with the UK’s Sky News ceasing live broadcasts just before 6am local time, as well as causing outages for a number of airline and banking services.

What’s happening on my Windows computer?

Some users have reported that their Windows devices are refusing to boot up, while others have witnessed their computers suddenly display a BSOD while in use.

Eddie Major of the University of Adelaide in Australia…

Source: www.newscientist.com

How social media and screen time impact young people: The reality

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“Put that phone away!” Most parents have yelled something similar to this at their children, usually resulting in a shocked look on the child’s face.

In recent years, the spread of smartphones and social media has led us to spend more time in front of screens. Children are no exception. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in children’s screen time due to lockdowns and school closures.

There are many frightening claims about excessive screen time for children and teens: that it harms their mental health, leading to depression, eating disorders and even suicide; that it cuts into time they could be spending on socializing and exercise, making them feel lonely and less physically fit; and more. In short, the fear is that spending too much time on digital devices is ruining our children’s lives, with the tech companies who design the apps that keep us hooked being complicit. It’s no wonder that governments around the world are considering restricting screen time for under-18s.

Yet a closer look at the evidence does not support this overwhelmingly negative view. This does not mean that the tech giants are harmless and that further regulation is not needed. But it does mean that we need to think more carefully about what healthy screen time looks like for young people, and how we can make the online world the most accessible to them. So here is your guide to what we actually know about the impact of screens and social media.

One thing is clear in this complex field: children and young people, like the rest of us, spend a lot of time in front of screens.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Review of Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: A Large Screen Inside and Out

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Samsung’s popular folding screen foldable phone now has a larger outer screen in its fifth generation, making it even easier to use, while still maintaining a stylish look with a sleek design that leaves no gaps when closed.

The new Z Flip 5 costs £1,049 ($999/AU$1,649), £50 more than last year’s model. It also comes with double his initial capacity of storage and a number of small but meaningful upgrades. There’s no question that folding technology still commands a premium price, with prices similar to high-end Android and iPhones.

The Flip 5 feels like a gorgeous piece of technology and is more sophisticated than previous versions. The new hinge allows the two halves of your phone to close flush on one end without leaving any gaps, which looks great and prevents pocket lint.


In contrast to the wedge shape and gap of flip 4 (left), flip 5 (right) closes flat and flush. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The new design also makes the phone thinner and slightly reduces the size of the screen crease, similar to the one seen on the Oppo Find N2 Flip. You can still feel the indentation in the center of the fold and see it in the glare of light, but it is usually not noticeable during use.

The large 6.7-inch screen is great: bright, crisp, smooth, and responsive. Samsung says the screen is 25% more durable than previous models, but it’s still made of softer materials than traditional phones, so it needs to be handled more carefully to avoid scratches. That’s what it means.

A big new 3.4-inch cover screen on the outside of the phone is the standout feature. It shows the time, notifications, and other types of information typical of a regular cell phone’s always-on display. There’s also an eight-button quick settings panel for toggling Wi-Fi and other bits, which is useful but annoyingly not customizable. When you have a notification, you’ll see a retro little red dot. There are many ways to customize the look of your display with different designs, images, and animations.


Spotify’s cover screen mini player is great (top left), with widget options like calendar, weather, and timer, as well as apps like Google Maps and YouTube (bottom right). Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The cover screen also has a collection of useful widgets, and you can also access a full keyboard to reply to messages and run a handful of apps like WhatsApp without opening your phone.

specification

  • Main screen: 6.7-inch FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED Infinity Flex display (425ppi)

  • Cover screen: 3.4 inch AMOLED

  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 2nd generation

  • Ram: 8GB

  • storage: 256 or 512GB

  • operating system: One UI 5.1 based on Android 13

  • camera: Dual 12MP rear, 10MP front

  • Connectivity: 5G, nano sim+esim, wifi6E, NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, GNSS

  • water resistance: IPX8 (30 minutes at a depth of 1.5 meters)

  • Folding dimensions: 84.9×71.9×15.1mm

  • Unfolded dimensions: 165.2×72.2×6.9mm

  • weight: 187g

Comfortable performance and 1-day battery life

Apple Ex-Employee’s iPhone Keyboard Hack Simplifies Screen Use

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Here are some easy ways to impress the people at Genius Bar. A former Apple employee shares an easy-to-do keyboard hack that makes inputting numbers, especially numbers, smoother for users. In TikTok clip Viewed 17 million times technologist-turned-musician Tyler Morgan shows off features hidden in plain sight that allow you to do things like numeric keyboard shortcuts. He also introduced a fun “Harry Potter” command that Siri uses to turn the flashlight on and off. Just say “Lumos” (a Hogwarts spell that creates light on the tip of a wizard’s wand, etc.) and your iPhone’s flashlight will turn on. Conversely, if you say “Knox,” the light on your wand will go out and your flashlight will magically go out. Users can also ask Siri to identify songs playing in the background. Morgan said in another video additionally proven We recommend taking a screenshot of the entire web page, not just a portion of what’s on your screen. After you take a shot, there is an option to create and save a PDF in the top right part of your iPhone screen. Just tap Entire Page on the right side of the Screen tab. Keyboard hacks to try today Here are some easy iPhone keyboard hacks that are worth trying. AFP (via Getty Images) A simple and very effective way to enable Caps Lock on your iPhone keyboard is to double-tap the uppercase up arrow symbol. This will allow you to type uppercase letters until you turn the feature off. If you press and hold a letter, you can easily see different versions of the accented letter on top of the letter without having to install an international keyboard. Morgan’s tips also include a convenient way to display the numeric keyboard and automatically revert to the alphabet keys after use. Just press and hold the “123” tab in the bottom left corner while viewing the alphabet. When you enter a number, the screen temporarily changes to a numeric keypad, and when you release “123” it returns to letters. Here are some easy ways to get the most out of your iPhone’s keyboard. Dear Grease – Stock.adobe.com Also, if you accidentally press and hold the wrong number or symbol, keep your finger on the screen and slide it to change it to the number or symbol you actually want. Another useful tip is that if you hold down the spacebar, the cursor will move freely and easily through large groups of text like a mouse.

Source: nypost.com

Elon Musk and Bob Iger’s Feud Leads to Tesla Removing Disney+ from Screen

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The Disney+ app has been removed from video displays in some Tesla cars, with some drivers complaining they were caught in the middle of a nasty feud between CEO Elon Musk and Disney president Bob Iger. It’s leaking out.

A Tesla owner posted on Musk’s social media platform X a screenshot of the vehicle’s video screen showing the Disney+ app missing.

“So, Disney+ has been removed from my Tesla,” an X user using the account name “The Tesla Hoe” posted over the weekend.

“I think this is retaliation for Disney pulling advertising from Company X (which they have a right to do).”

A Tesla owner lamented the fact that “we have to let young children know what’s next.” [that] You can’t sit in a Tesla and watch Disney+ and deal with their upset emotions.

“Because two grown men can’t have a civil discussion and move on. These happens like a tantrum,” @TheTeslaHoe continued. “And now Tesla owners feel like they’re caught in the crossfire of something that’s not their fault at all.”

Tesla owners reported over the weekend that the Disney+ app was removed from their cars’ theater screens. Tesla Theater/YouTube

Another Tesla fan with the username “Hall Mars Catalog” confirmed that the Model S does not include Disney+.

last week, Tesla-centric news site Electrek Tesla reportedly notified Disney of its decision to remove the Disney+ app from video displays, without providing an explanation as to why.

A subsequent post informed Tesla users that they could still access Disney+ by manually entering the URL into their car’s web browser.

But the Disney+ app, which typically appears alongside major platforms like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and TikTok, is no longer visible on theater home screens.

The Post has reached out to Disney and Tesla for comment.

During an appearance at the business conference DealBook Summit on Nov. 29, Musk told companies that have stopped advertising on X to “take a hard look at themselves.”

A Tesla owner posted a screenshot of a theater screen without the Disney+ app installed. The image above is a stock photo of a Tesla theater screen. Tesla Theater/YouTube

Earlier in the day, Iger told Dealbook that Disney’s decision to stop advertising on He said it had an impact on him.

“He took a very public position and we felt that the association of that position with Elon Musk and X was not necessarily a positive thing for us,” Iger said.

Musk has denied that he is an anti-Semite.

Musk was asked about companies that had stopped advertising on the platform following a Media Matters report that said their ads were running alongside pro-Nazi content.

Last month, Tesla CEO Elon Musk attacked Disney CEO Bob Iger after the Mouse House suspended Musk’s advertising on social media platform X. Getty Images for The New York Times

“If someone’s going to blackmail me with money, go fuck yourself,” Musk said, referring specifically to Iger.

A week after Musk appeared on DealBook, the Mouse House began advertising on rival social media platforms Facebook and Instagram, even though those sites had allowed the targeting of underage users. Mr. Musk publicly called on Disney to fire Mr. Iger after a lawsuit alleges that he had published the following.

“Bob Iger thinks it’s cool to run ads next to child exploitation material. A real stand-up guy,” Musk posted, misspelling the longtime media mogul’s name. did.

Source: nypost.com

Controversial Ziploc phone hack ignites discussion about children’s screen time

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Here’s how to get kids to zip up during long car rides. TikToker @jeffandlaurenshow “The best travel hack for staying calm during long road trips,” he says, involves a Ziploc bag and a smartphone. Her 17 second clipAn image uploaded to the social media platform last month shows the driver’s headrest being removed from the car, using scissors to cut two holes in the side of the Ziploc bag where the headrest is connected to the seat, and then replacing the headrest in its original position. The image shows a woman returning to her home. . A woman presses play on a children’s video on her mobile phone and puts it in her bag, creating a hands-free screen for her toddler. “Things I wish I had known when I became a mom for the first time,” the TikToker wrote in text above the video, which has been viewed more than 50 million times. One TikToker claims the “best travel hack to keep the peace on long trips” involves a Ziploc bag and a smartphone. Her clip sparked a debate about giving children too much screen time. Jeff Lauren Show/TikTok The clip sparked a debate on TikTok about giving kids too much screen time, with some calling the hack “ridiculous.” One commenter laughed: “Oh yeah, keep them glued to their screens.” “It’s better to let kids watch something on TV than to have them kicking and screaming and crying because they’re bored,” another argued. “If they’re bored, than engage with them because they’re your kids,” the TikToker retorted. “Read to them,” suggested another. “Some of the kids can’t read yet, they’re crazy!” someone yelled. “There is such a thing as a picture book,” said the third person, expressionless. “Things I wish I had known when I became a mom for the first time,” the TikToker wrote in text above the video, which has been viewed more than 50 million times. Jeff Lauren Show/TikTok One TikToker commented on the comment section, saying, “There’s a serious battle going on over parenting here.” “It’s a stupid fight (lol),” said one dispatcher. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry recommends limiting screen time for all children. People under 18 months should only be exposed to screens when video chatting with someone on the go. Young children between 18 and 24 months of age should stick to educational programming, the academy says. Screening time for children ages 2 to 5 must be limited to one hour on weekdays and three hours on Saturdays or Sundays. And parents should talk to their children ages 6 and up to “encourage healthy habits and limit activities that involve screens.” Too much screen time is associated with sleep, weight, and mood problems, as well as poor performance in school.

Source: nypost.com

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