Jakarta: A life connected to a backlit screen

Many reports have examined quantitatively the proliferation of screen-time and connectedness throughout the world, and Indonesia is consistently on the leaderboard for the most screen time. In fact Indonesian’s spend on average 8+ hours per day connected to a device. Although there have arguably been significant positive outcomes from this connectivity, the broader implications are yet to be examined in detail and we think they are worth looking into.  

Saksara has just completed a 12 month comprehensive 4-day work week trial for all staff, and the overwhelming positive outcomes substantially offset any inconveniences. Indonesian’s spend 27% more time on a device than Australian’s do, and also more time commuting, undertaking religious observances, and most other domestic and personal tasks. Delivering on work-life balance contributes to overall wellness, happiness, decreased stress, intellectual and personal growth, and other positive outcomes for workplace performance in various sectors.

This got us thinking about the impacts of screen-time on work performance and personal development. One of the very few contexts for examining this in detail comes from the collection of studies that informed Australia’s bipartisan social media ban for children under 16. In 2024, the Australian Parliament controversially introduced the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill to strengthen protections for young internet users. The Bill mandates social media platforms to implement robust age verification measures and obtain parental or guardian consent for users under 16. Platforms failing to comply risk substantial financial penalties and potential service bans within Australia. The legislation is designed to bolster the powers of the eSafety Commissioner and also includes provisions for content removal and increased transparency.

Proponents argue it safeguards minors from harmful content and addictive design features. We have summarized these studies below, and although these concerns are focused on the harms to children under 16, we recognize that most of these issues equally apply to adults.

1. Mental Health Impacts

• Increased Anxiety and Depression: Studies have shown a correlation between excessive social media use and heightened levels of anxiety and depression among adolescents. For instance, research published in the Cureus Journal of Medical Science indicated that high-frequency social media use can lead to poor mental health outcomes in young people.

• Sleep Disturbances: The Australian Psychological Society reported that social media use, especially before bedtime, can disrupt sleep patterns, which is crucial for healthy development during adolescence.

2. Exposure to Harmful Content

• Inappropriate Material: The eSafety Commissioner’s Office found that a significant number of children have been exposed to violent or sexual content online, which can be psychologically damaging.

• Self-Harm and Suicide Content: Studies, such as those conducted by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, highlighted the risk of exposure to content that promotes self-harm or suicidal ideation.

3. Cyberbullying

• Prevalence and Impact: Research from ReachOut Australia showed that approximately one in five young Australians have experienced cyberbullying, leading to adverse effects on their mental health and well-being.

• Long-Term Effects: The University of New South Wales conducted studies demonstrating that victims of cyberbullying may suffer long-term psychological effects, including decreased self-esteem and increased risk of mental health disorders.

4. Data Privacy Concerns

• Unauthorized Data Collection: Investigations revealed that some social media platforms collect personal data from underage users without adequate consent, violating privacy rights.

• Third-Party Access: Research highlighted risks associated with third-party apps accessing children’s data, potentially leading to misuse or exploitation.

5. Addictive Design Features

• Psychological Manipulation: Studies pointed out that social media platforms often use algorithms and design features that encourage addictive behaviors, which can be particularly harmful to developing minds.

• Impact on Attention Span: Research suggested that constant notifications and the need for instant gratification may affect children’s attention spans and cognitive development.

6. Academic Performance

• Distraction and Lower Grades: The Australian Council for Educational Research found a negative correlation between heavy social media use and academic achievement, attributing this to distractions and reduced time spent on homework.

The annual reports of the eSafety Commissioner often include data and expert opinions advocating for stricter age verification measures to protect children online. Bodies like the Australian Medical Association (AMA) have also recommended limiting screen time for children to mitigate health risks. The World Health Organization (WHO) have classified gaming and digital addiction as mental health disorders, and the Royal Society for Public Health (UK) found that social media use is linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and poor sleep among young people.

The average worker in Jakarta will spend an estimated 432 months in formal employment. Every month they will be connected to a device for 232 hours, which is more time than sleeping for many people. Of the 36 years of their working life, people in Jakarta will have spent more than 17 years of their waking life connected to a device. The simple mathematics suggests that significant other aspects of living life are being sacrificed for a life largely connected to a backlit screen. We clearly need to better understand this.