The battle around screen time is still alive and well with children. I’ll speak personally about my teenage boys—the struggle is real. Perhaps the struggle we don’t talk about enough is managing screen time for adults, and older adults in particular. Our digital world offers both benefits and risks for people of all ages. Here are some of the pros and cons of screen time for older adults.
Pros for Older Adults
Increased Connection
Screen time provides increased access to friends and family who are not easy to visit often.
Life Experience as a Filter
Due to actual life experience, older adults’ views on many subjects may not be as easily skewed by trendy videos of false information about history they themselves lived through or know firsthand.
More Leisure Time
Generally, older adults have more leisure time, so the enjoyment of screen time simply takes the place of other leisure activities (so there is less likelihood that screen time will interfere with finishing important tasks like working or completing assignments).
The World at Their Fingertips
The world can come to them in a clearer way—like reading books on a screen, viewing narrated pictures of distant lands they may not get to visit in person, or learning something new online.
What to Be Mindful Of
Scams Are More Prevalent
Scams are more prominent, and with the use of increasing AI, they’re more convincing. Older adults are often the prime target, and scammers no longer have to call or ring the doorbell to reach them.
The Wild West of Information
Older adults are more likely to use online sources for news and information, which can be tricky as it is the “wild west” of information. Disinformation targeted to seniors impacts us all, as they are the most likely to vote and may make important voting decisions based on erroneous information.
Isolation vs. Connection
As much as these screens can open up the world, they can also be more isolating. Even tasks like shopping and other commerce can keep older adults engaged through personal interaction. Purchasing online can further limit community engagement—it’s tempting not to leave the couch. Online shopping can also cause some to spend more than they can afford with just a click of a button.
We Can All Learn
In the words of G.I. Joe —”Knowing is half the battle.” I’m sure it’s because I have children that I’m more conscious of even my own screen time. The “do as I say, not as I do” approach sadly never works. However, I also learn from my children about what they are viewing and information they find online (and yes, we always look at the primary source for all information before determining its credibility). When we all use similar devices, it allows the opportunity for all generations to discuss the pros and cons so we can all help each other and not become the screen-user version of a couch potato.
See “Meet the real screen addicts,” The Economist, October 23, 2025