Answer Close-Reading Questions
Have students write their responses, or use the Close-Reading Questions to guide a discussion.
• Why has recreational screen time increased in recent years? (Cause and Effect)
One cause of increased screen time is the Covid-19 pandemic, as people used screens to stay connected and entertained while social distancing. Another cause is that apps are designed to encourage people to use them and see ads.
• What are some of the tricks tech companies use to try to keep people using their apps? (Key Details)
Tech companies use endless scroll so users never run out of content. They employ algorithms to show people more of the content they are most likely to watch. They use notifications to drive people to their apps. They play on people’s fears of missing out. And they engage auto-play to make it hard to avoid ads.
• How does the sidebar “The Dangers of Not Looking Up” support the article? (Text Features)
The sidebar details some of the risks of too much screen time. It notes that a study found that teens who spend at least seven hours on screens per day are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression and anxiety than teens who spend only one hour per day.