A Kaiser Family Foundation recently conducted a survey of U.S. kids, ages 8-18, about their daily media intake.
The results:
- watching television: 270 minutes
- listening to music: 151 minutes
- talking on cell phone: 33 minutes
- playing video games: 73 minutes
- text messaging: 90 minutes
- nonschool computer use: 89 minutes
Bottom-line: children and teens are engaged in media 7.5 hours per day, 52.5 hours per week.
In the past decade, music has risen the most (by one hour per day). Reading has decreased the most.
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Minus the video games, I’m TOTALLY fulfilling the statistics?!
Books/literature was once the sole portable outlet an individual could go to and connect with the world or be introduced to new experiences. Now with music, television, texting/email and telephone not only available, but things we carry around as part of our lives and have 24 hour access to, it’s no surprise that reading is being replaced by these new sources. But does the media today replace the depth one can acquire threw literature? Introspection is intrinsic to the experience of reading. However, with most of the media used today, that kind of growth and self-awareness is not only unnecessary but at times can be prohibitive in enjoying it. (Ever try to watch Jersey Shore???)
So, my fear isn’t of a generation of couch potatoes. I’m concerned we’re encouraging an existence that is quite shallow- shallow emotionally, intellectually and spiritually.
So the question is, with Gen Y’s attachment to today’s media, can it be used or changed to foster depth of character and maturation?