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The Results
The study authors noted that when compared to non-withdrawn individuals, all three withdrawn groups used more email but it was only the avoidant group who played more video games, violent video games, gambling, and pornography than their more social peers. The authors then examined the outcomes of using these negative forms of media.
Avoidant individuals were tied to higher levels of negative media use (violent video games, gambling, pornography) and these higher levels of media use led to negative outcomes a year later. Specifically, the data showed the 'avoidant' subjects' negative media use led to depression and risky/damaging behaviors like crime, substance abuse, and more over the following year, something that didn't happen with their shy and unsociable peers.
"Young people need to be aware of the potential risks of their choices," Nelson said. "The key thing is that for avoidant individuals, the more problematic media they use, the higher they're at risk for these negative outcomes."
Taken together, the issue with negative or problematic media seems to be that they become a problem when they replace social interaction: doing so greatly affects the behaviors of young adults avoiding social interaction and causes some antisocial individuals to become more withdrawn.
The Takeaway
Take a step back before accusing young adults of spending too much time using their phones or playing video games. Not all social withdrawal and media use is bad!
Instead, look at whether or not your kid's media use and withdrawal is the product of trying to disconnect or run away from their social spheres.
Finally, teach your kids the importance of balance. Despite the tendency of many young adults to spend their time engaged in the pursuit of leisure, fun, and easy things, teach them to balance those activities with ones that are growth-promoting.
