The dangers of mixing screen time and snack time
Sep 19, 2020, 11:50 AM
A study at England’s University of Sussex warns those who snack while watching television or playing video games that they are more likely to overeat, greatly increasing risks of obesity. “You’re less likely to be able to tell how full you feel,” Professor Martin Yeomans explained. “You’re more likely to keep snacking. This is important for anyone wanting to stay a healthy weight.”
The conclusions of the study might seem obvious, but still convey an important message about the hours we lavish on screens, including our obsession with social media. Few people feel satisfied after just a few minutes of screen time; social and entertainment media are deliberately designed to encourage you to keep watching, to keep clicking, to always yearn for more.
Nothing in our screen engagement promotes feelings of contentment, or fullness; perpetual hunger characterizes most addictions, including our often thoughtless indulgence in all forms of media diversion.
