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Digital Parenting and Digital Ethics: Breathing Life into Our Screen Times

It is with great honor that I share with you my knowledge and thoughts regarding a crucial topic that has become a central part of our lives, particularly in the digital dominated era we are navigating - Digital Parenting and Digital Ethics.

As someone with expertise in e-commerce, internet advertising, wellness technology and lately, NFT and digital art, I have always been driven to deliver user-centric solutions. I consider myself a digital parenting activist, promoting mindfulness and well-being in the age of technology.

Understanding the Effects of Screen-Time

Excessive screen time has become a shared concern for all, from young children to adults. Oftentimes due to this, we forget to pay attention to our *breathing*, a basic yet incredibly essential part of our overall well-being.

Years ago, during a rather stressful time in the tech industry, working 18-hour days in front of a screen, I experienced physical pain and a noticeable decline in productivity and creativity. Unfortunately, this is far from an isolated case, as children, teenagers, and adults alike are experiencing similar struggles due to screen time. Alongside this, we have also seen a rise in social disorders such as a decline in emotional intelligence and an increase in anxiety and depression.

Such is the concept of *screen apnea* or *email apnea*, which is the holding of breath or shallow breathing while working or playing in front of screens.

Screen Apnea: A Red Flag

Screen apnea triggers a fight or flight stress state in our body, which increases the level of cortisol, the stress hormone. This phenomenon is common among people regardless of age. Even young children and teenagers may experience this due to the increased usage of digital screens.

There's an urgent need to address this issue. Thankfully, technology has also provided us with solutions that track our sleeping and breathing patterns, which can help manage and regulate screen apnea.

Bringing Mindfulness to the Forefront

Breathing exercises, meditation, and mindfulness are gradually gaining popularity as efficient ways to maintain mental well-being. For children, specific apps have been designed that encourage mental well-being via breathing exercises.

These visually engaging apps serve as helpful reminders for children to maintain good posture, draw attention to their breathing, and enhance their overall mental and physical well-being in a fun and appealing manner.

The Attention Economy and Digital Ethics

However, as we dive deeper into this digital era, it is critical to examine the ethical considerations involved. The "currency" of our time is attention, and there is a fierce competition among social media platforms and digital marketing to grab their users' attention and keep them engaged on their platforms.

Take for instance the example of social gaming where triggering the feel-good hormones, dopamine and serotonin, has become a marketing strategy to increase user engagement. This brings us to the pressing ethical issue of consent. Are we ensuring the privacy and protection of our younger users? Are we creating and designing ethical digital products for them?

Digital Parenting in the Digital Age

It becomes even more critical when we must navigate the world of digital parenting. There's a need to protect our children from the potential harms of digital exposure while educating them about the responsible use of the internet and social media.

Part of this education includes teaching children about their digital rights and how to responsibly consume digital content. The concept of digital consumption must be explored, particularly in the context of young users who are most vulnerable to the effects of digital over-exposure.

In Conclusion

While the digital world offers numerous opportunities and conveniences, it's crucial to balance these benefits with a mindful awareness of our overall well-being. Technology can bring us closer together, improve access to information, and create new avenues for creativity and exploration. At the same time, let's ensure that we are breathing correctly, maintaining our mental well-being, and navigating the digital world ethically.

Remember, the breath is the bridge that connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts. So let's continue to breathe, mindfully and healthily, even in the face of evolving digital landscapes.


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