In an era where digital technology permeates daily life, smartphones have become almost like an extension of ourselves — a “digital organ”. The debate over screen time and its effects on mental health continues to spark controversy. On the one hand, excessive screen use is often blamed for fueling depression, anxiety and even the risk of suicide. On the other hand, the rise of remote socializing and digital services during the pandemic has underscored their value as lifelines for connection. A landmark study recently published in npj Digital Medicine offers fresh insights to help unravel this complex issue.
The dual role of screen time: warning signal and emotional buffer
Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison tracked 79 adults who had recently had suicide-related thoughts or behavior over 28 days. Using a cutting-edge method called “screenomics”, they captured screenshots of participants’ phone screens every five seconds — amassing over 7.5 million images. They paired this with six daily check-ins to gauge emotions and behaviors in real time. The result was a detailed picture of how smartphone use interacts with the risk of suicide. The study revealed a two-way relationship between screen time and risk of suicide. In the short term — within a few hours — screen use seemed to amplify active suicidal thoughts, especially when people scrolled passively under stress, perhaps deepening negative thought patterns. But over longer periods, such as a day or more, using screens thoughtfully — like browsing content related to mindfulness before bed — was linked to a lower risk of suicidal planning. The key difference lies in how screens are used: Active engagement, such as chatting with friends or seeking helpful information, appeared to lift spirits, while aimless scrolling often worsened them. Interestingly, people also turned to their phones more after experiencing suicidal thoughts, suggesting a habit of reaching for digital distractions in tough moments, but outcomes depended on how they engaged. Brief, frantic bursts of app switching were tied to heightened suicide risk, while steady, purposeful use, like watching educational videos, offered a calming effect.
From quantity to quality: context is everything
These findings challenge the notion that screen time is simply bad for us. A multinational study by our team at the University of Hong Kong, published in Nature Human Behaviour, found that older adults who regularly use the internet tend to have lower rates of depression, thanks to staying socially connected and accessing health resources online. Together, these studies highlight a “context-effect” framework: It’s not just about how much time we spend on screens, but what we do with that time. Active uses — like video calls or online learning — tend to boost well-being, while passive habits, such as endlessly scrolling through short videos, are more likely to drag it down.
A new path for prevention: smart tech, tough questions
This research opens doors for suicide prevention efforts. Imagine an AI system that spots risky patterns, such as prolonged exposure to self-harm content, and triggers a range of interventions — from sending mindfulness audio prompts to facilitating direct crisis outreach. But there’s a catch: How do we warn people about risks without infringing on their digital privacy and rights? Striking that balance is a tricky challenge for the future.
Let us work together, on the one hand, to develop relevant and engaging alternative content, enabling young people to use their screen time productively through innovative approaches; and on the other hand, to provide support and space for offline activities. Together, we can holistically promote young people’s mental health
The path forward: redefining our digital lives
Broader research shows that 28 percent of adult depression symptoms go back to passive screen habits, while remote counseling during the pandemic noticeably eased anxiety for around 40 percent of teens. These contrasting outcomes highlight a simple truth: Digital technology itself isn’t good or bad — it’s a tool shaped by how we use it. At the same time, there’s also an urgent need to encourage more time away from screens, especially for young people. Unfortunately, the present generation is growing up glued to devices like tablet computers and smartphones, and sometimes it is the responsibility of parents not to use digital devices as a pacifier. We need to provide genuine alternative ways for young people to spend their spare time instead. Studies show exercise can strengthen mental resilience in young people, and the Department of Health and the Education Bureau have issued guidelines to students not to spend excessive time on digital devices. Breaking that habit takes discipline and creative alternatives to keep young minds engaged. As screens evolve from mere conduits of overwhelming information to vital tools for mental well-being, the challenge we face is clear: We must go beyond technological innovation and engage in a collective reflection on what it means to live a healthy digital life.
Now the market is flooded with different kinds of social media support apps and artificial intelligence chatbot platforms. Some seem to show evidence of benefits, while others could cause harm. With the emergence of DeepSeek and other high-functional generative AI systems, we can be cautiously optimistic about this technology, as it has the potential to enhance user experience, particularly in providing low-risk interventions and information sharing. Additionally, it can help alleviate network congestion and, by automating certain tasks, free up human resources to focus on high-risk cases. However, the quality of the content fed into the system is crucial. Therefore, it is necessary to establish relevant norms, recommendations, and guidelines to ensure that the AI system’s behavior aligns with our intended objectives. If we can provide high-quality content resources, it will be particularly beneficial for those who are hesitant to utilize traditional services.
The reality is that young people will inevitably spend significant time on screens — a complex and persistent challenge. The crucial question is how we respond. Let us work together, on the one hand, to develop relevant and engaging alternative content, enabling young people to use their screen time productively through innovative approaches; and on the other hand, to provide support and space for offline activities. Together, we can holistically promote young people’s mental health.
The author is director of the HKJC Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, at the University of Hong Kong.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
