Introduction: Why talk about screen time?
Screen time isn’t just a number on a device. It’s a window into daily rhythms, social interactions, and personal wellbeing. In a world where every ping can pull our attention, four very different people offer a revealing snapshot: a priest, a pensioner, a tech CEO, and Dayeon, a 16-year-old teenager who claims to spend less than an hour a day on screens. Their stories show how attitudes toward technology vary across ages, professions, and values—and how those attitudes shape relationships with friends, family, and work.
Dayeon the teenager: less than an hour a day
Dayeon, 16, says she stays under an hour of screen time daily. That choice isn’t about denying herself entertainment but about prioritizing real-world experiences—school, sports, time with friends, and sleep. “I think my screen time is what adults want their kids to have,” she explains, noting that peers often voice concern when a notification interrupts a face-to-face conversation. Dayeon uses her devices for brief study aids, quick communication with friends, and the occasional short video when she’s winding down. The long-term trade-off, she believes, is better focus, deeper conversations, and a clearer head when it’s time to learn or work.
A priest’s perspective: technology as a tool, not a trap
The priest emphasizes balance rather than abstinence. For him, screen time can support pastoral work—online sermons, virtual counseling, and community updates—but it also risks diminishing presence in the moment. He advocates intentional use: choosing moments when a device serves the message or mission, and setting boundaries to preserve prayer, listening, and human connection. His daily routines include tech-free meals with family, scheduled digital sabbaticals, and mindful scrolling that aligns with compassion and service.
A pensioner’s daily ritual: connection over consumption
The pensioner views screens as a gateway to distant friends and a lifeline to cultural enrichment. Video calls with grandchildren, streaming classic films, and reading news online keep the mind active and the social circle open. But there’s a caveat: more isn’t always better. The pensioner talks about the importance of pace, the danger of endless scrolling, and the need for intentional breaks. A common routine might involve a morning session of news and emails, a midday walk, and an evening moment of family photos shared on a tablet. For many older adults, technology is empowering when it complements a well-rounded day rather than dominating it.
The tech CEO’s take: efficiency, boundaries, and accountability
The tech CEO sees screen time through the lens of productivity and user experience. Meetings, quick decision-making, and reading industry updates all require screen access, but the culture of constant connectivity can blur lines between work and life. The CEO advocates measurable limits—time-blocked days, dashboards tracking usage, and deliberate “offline” periods to recharge creativity. The philosophy is not about demonizing devices but about designing a life where technology amplifies rather than erodes human interaction. In practice, that means family dinners without devices, weekends set aside for deep work, and a personal policy of checking devices at defined times.
What these four stories reveal about our screen time
Across diverse ages and roles, one truth emerges: screen time is a proxy for how we value attention. The teenager who limits hours seeks focus and presence; the priest aims to align digital use with service; the pensioner uses tech to stay connected while guarding time for life’s heydays; the CEO treats devices as tools governed by discipline and purpose. The common thread is deliberate choice—creating space for human connection, learning, and rest in a world that constantly asks for our attention.
Practical tips to rethink your own screen time
- Set clear boundaries: meals, conversations, and bedtime are devices-free zones.
- Track usage for a week to identify patterns you want to change.
- Use technology to enhance relationships, not replace them: schedule video calls with loved ones to stay connected.
- Schedule regular digital sabbaticals to recharge creativity and reduce burnout.
Conclusion: your turn to reflect
Whether you’re a teen guarding time, a priest guiding balance, a pensioner seeking connection, or a CEO shaping culture, your screen time is a reflection of your priorities. By setting intentional limits and choosing presence over constant scrolling, you can harness technology’s benefits while preserving the human moments that matter most.
