Dr. Marc Siegel, in his recent article for Fox News, has brought to light the growing concerns surrounding the impact of video games and social media on the mental health of young people. The article discusses how excessive engagement in these digital environments could potentially result in isolation, mental health issues, and even aggressive behavior. Siegel highlights the case of Tyler Robinson, the alleged shooter of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, as an example of how prolonged exposure to online worlds could contribute to such dangerous outcomes.
While the exact role of video gaming and social media in the worsening mental health of 22-year-old Tyler Robinson remains unclear, Siegel points out that he was deeply immersed in these digital spaces. The recent events surrounding the incident not only serve as a wake-up call but also reinforce the idea that we are underestimating the influence of violent video games and social media on individuals’ behavior and mental states.
The article also references a piece by Alyssa Finley from The Wall Street Journal, which discusses how engaging in virtual interactions can lead to a disconnection from real-life social interactions and moral development. This trend is further exacerbated by the FBI’s warning about a growing network of online threats targeting vulnerable populations, including children with mental health issues.
Research has shown that adolescents spending three or more hours daily on social media have a doubled risk of experiencing anxiety or depression. The piece emphasizes the need for parents to regulate their children’s screen time and internet use, setting an example by limiting their own digital engagement. Dinner should be a time for family discussions about important topics such as the Kirk murder, focusing on positive emotions like kindness and compassion, which align with the same emotional centers of the brain as fear and hatred.
The aftermath of such a traumatic event should be a time for expressing faith and coming together as a community to mourn. This is not the time for further division and political attacks, which can be just as damaging. Siegel argues that social media, video games, and avatars can easily amplify our worst instincts. However, he believes that by teaching children to be their best selves in a world without avatars, we can foster a more positive and healthy environment for future generations.