How Climate Change Became The Hidden Cause of My Increased Screen time

I was strolling on the terrace of my house, pondering over my recent test scores. They didn’t quite meet the mark I had hoped for.

“That’s because of your phone,” said my mother.

“Aren’t you neglecting your studies because of your extracurriculars?” questioned my father.

Amidst the criticism and inquiries, I couldn’t ignore the creeping realization that I was losing my academic spark and becoming sluggish. Determined to make a comeback, I meticulously planned my study routine for the upcoming month-long summer break. Suddenly, a refreshing cool drop landed on my cheek, offering a brief respite from the scorching heat. It had started raining, a rare sight in the summer month of June.

The next morning, as the heat intensified, I switched on the AC and grabbed the newspaper. Every page seemed to echo the urgent narrative of climate change—a topic about which we all know too much, but somehow, always not enough. I saw the concerning headline: ‘Fire breaks out in Himachal Forests,’ a grim consequence of the heat wave. After a few pages, another headline highlighted that ‘Rain in Bengaluru breaks 133-year record.’ I noticed the extreme contrast between these two events: one place was burning in fire while another was witnessing heavy rainfall at the same time. Reflecting on the contrasting tales of nature’s cruelty, I was convinced that climate change transcends borders, emerging as a global challenge.

I was lost in the contemplation of the events, but the doorbell interrupted my thoughts, announcing the arrival of our new air conditioner. This marked the third time we’d installed one, prompting memories of half a decade ago when we first introduced AC to our home. Back then, we rarely needed them and used them sparingly. Reflecting on those earlier times brought to mind my early academic achievements at the age of eight, which had heightened my parents’ expectations. I remembered how effortlessly I could grasp concepts back then. 

As I glanced at the newly installed air conditioner, a wave of worry enveloped me, both for the external world and my inner turmoil. The stark contrast between the cool comfort of the AC and the unsettling news of wildfires and record-breaking rains left me feeling a sense of helplessness. At that moment, two troubling questions crossed my mind: Could climate change be directly impacting not just the physical environment, but also our mental well-being? Could climate change be somehow diminishing my inner spark? I started thinking about the broader, often overlooked consequences of climate change and the intricate connection between humans and the environment.

I began my research on the unnoticed topic: ‘The intricate connection between climate change and humans’ mental health.’ I entered it in the search bar, expecting one or two articles to show up. But I was amazed to find a plethora of articles from diverse journals, highlighting a relationship I had never previously considered. After reading the articles,. I acknowledged that natural disasters like droughts and floods were the ones that were directly impacting humans’ mental health, with climate change being the root cause.

In my observations, I’ve seen a clear connection between climate change and increased screen time across all age groups. With summers growing more intense, outdoor activities like sports and nature exploration are losing their appeal, prompting more indoor pursuits like gaming and TV watching, especially among children. Furthermore, when extreme weather events like heat waves or heavy rainfall occur, many schools opt for online classes as a precaution, further boosting screen time among students.

Numerous studies have shown that excessive screen time can affect learning capacity, memory, and various cognitive functions. This evidence further strengthens the intricate connection between climate change and its impact on human behavior, particularly the surge in screen time as a response to changing environmental conditions.

As I pieced everything together, I realized that the root cause of my increased screen time and diminishing spark was probably, climate change. I understood that addressing climate change should be a top priority, as it’s the root cause of numerous adversities. I quickly turned off the AC in my room, while these devices may provide temporary relief, their prolonged use adds to the heat burden on our beloved Mother Earth, exacerbating climate change.

Next, I opted for a digital approach to note-taking by using my tablet and stylus instead of traditional paper and pen. Feeling overwhelmed, I posted about my feelings and opinions regarding this matter on my Instagram story. This ignited positive engagement among my friends and followers, spreading awareness and affection. As the next step, I’ve decided to write a book— “Melting Horizons”—about polar bears in Antarctica, shedding light on how climate change impacts their lives.

It aims to raise awareness and evoke empathy, urging readers to take action against climate change. As I bring my personal narrative to a close, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity to share my perspective on this topic as it’s a topic that weighs heavily on my heart: it has had on our planet and, indeed, on my own life. Each action, no matter how small, contributes to our environment. Together, we can make Earth a better place to live in; we humans have that superpower for sure.