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Prereading Quiz: The Screen Grab
Before you read “The Screen Grab,” take this five-question quiz to find out how much you already know.
Which is an example of recreational screen time?
taking a coding class at school
using a computer to complete a homework assignment
watching a TV show
Recreational screen time includes phone, computer, and TV use that is for fun, enjoyment, or relaxation—not for school or work.
On average, how much time do tweens spend using screens per day?
2 hours and 15 minutes
5 hours and 33 minutes
8 hours and 39 minutes
Average daily screen use is now 5 hours and 33 minutes for tweens and 8 hours and 39 minutes for teens. Recreational screen time increased by 17 percent from 2019 to 2021.
What is an algorithm?
a formal written request
a set of rules followed to solve a problem, calculate an answer, or reach a particular goal
support for a cause, proposal, or way of doing things
An algorithm is a set of rules followed to solve a problem, calculate an answer, or reach a particular goal. Technology companies try to encourage people to use their products by using algorithms that rank content based on how much time people are likely to spend on it.
True or False: The average smartphone user in the United States gets 46 notifications a day.
True
False
True. The average user gets 46 notifications a day. Tech companies use the alerts to drive people back to their platforms. Users can take control by choosing which notifications to allow.
Which is a potential negative effect of too much screen time?
being more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety
having more time for exercise and sleep
staying connected and entertained during the pandemic
Some research has found that excessive screen time can increase the likelihood of experiencing mental health issues. One study found that teens who spent seven or more hours every day on screens were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression and anxiety than teens who spent 60 minutes.