Digital Addiction in Teenagers: Tackling it With an App Based on Behavioral Economics

Abstract

In recent years, smartphone usage has increased rapidly, especially in teenagers. The excessive screen time can lead to digital addiction which means people use technology to a point where they cannot stop, even though they recognize the negative consequences associated with it. In behavioral economics, there are two ways of classifying all decisions we make in life: rational and irrational. A rational decision would be one that gives us the most utility or satisfaction. Because humans are imperfect, we constantly make irrational decisions, such as using our phone too much even though we know that it is not the best use of our time. There is an explanation in behavioral economics behind this though. There are theories such as hyperbolic discounting and present bias that say humans value things more that are in the present time. I am recommending the use of an app in order to lower teens' screen time. This app would have numerous features such as goal setting, points/rewards, and a leaderboard that directly counteract this irrational behavior.