Entertainment, screen and the impact on life

Several countries have implemented restrictions on social media access for children under 15; such measures may warrant serious consideration

Those of us born several decades ago, classified as Generation X, grew up in a very different environment. Our entertainment consisted largely of outdoor activities, reading books, listening to the radio, and the occasional visit to a park, movie, or community event. Life revolved around school, family responsibilities, and time spent with friends and neighbors. Community engagement was not an organized effort—it was simply a way of life.

Religion played a meaningful role in our upbringing. Regular visits to the temple, church, kovil, or mosque were part of the household routine. These interactions positively influenced young minds and helped us distinguish right from wrong. It was rare to see someone stray far from accepted social norms.

The radio was central to family entertainment. In many homes, there was only one unit, permanently tuned to the family’s favorite station. Evening radio dramas were shared experiences, bringing everyone together in the same room. Entertainment was communal, not individualized. The early 1980s marked the arrival of television. Entertainment entered the home through a screen, and around the same time, computers began emerging as tools. Initially, access to these technologies was limited to affluent households. We remember neighbors gathering at the one house in the area that owned a television to watch a drama or a cricket match.

The early tele-dramas were slow-paced and simple in execution—sometimes even monotonous—but they were a novelty and quickly gained popularity. Marketers seized the opportunity, and an entirely new industry of television commercials and related services began to flourish. As television ownership increased and channels multiplied, viewing habits changed. Although radio continued to be relevant, its influence gradually diminished.

At their best, tele-dramas improved in creativity and began showcasing realistic scripts that reflected cultural values and moral lessons. At their worst, however, the evolution of content left much to be desired.

The Evolution of Screens

As television penetration expanded nationwide, competition among channels intensified. Each network sought loyal viewership to attract advertisers, giving rise to a sophisticated commercial ecosystem and a thriving media supply chain.

However, the transformation of content over time has been concerning. Many dramas competing for ratings began glorifying behaviors that should not have been normalized—portraying thugs, drug dealers, addicts, illicit liquor brewers, and criminals operating with little consequence. Law enforcement was often depicted as ineffective or indifferent. It is arguable that such narratives, repeatedly broadcast in highly rated dramas, may have contributed to the erosion of values among impressionable young viewers.

Meanwhile, computers revolutionized the workplace. They replaced manual systems, improved efficiency, and streamlined processes. Over time, personal computers became common tools for education and professional work. Subsequent generations embraced technology wholeheartedly.

Today, technological evolution has progressed to artificial intelligence, assisting us in tasks we once performed independently. While these advancements are undeniably beneficial, there is a growing risk of overdependence. Methods and skills practiced by earlier generations are becoming obsolete, and in many ways, we risk becoming servants to the very tools designed to serve us.

The mobile phone marked another pivotal shift. Sri Lanka was introduced to mobile communication in the early 1990s. Before that, communication relied on handwritten letters and limited landline access. Many households did not own a telephone, and public phone booths or post offices were essential communication hubs.

Mobile phones transformed communication entirely. Networks expanded rapidly, devices evolved from analog to digital, and connectivity reached unprecedented levels. The introduction of the internet further revolutionized daily life, placing entertainment, information, and social interaction directly into our hands.

Sri Lanka now records mobile penetration exceeding 100 percent, indicating that many individuals own multiple connections. The mobile phone has become indispensable—we feel lost without it and struggle to remain disconnected even briefly. It is no longer merely a communication tool but a lifestyle device used for social media, streaming, gaming, and constant engagement.

Generation Z and Generation Alpha will never experience a world without screens. It is increasingly common to see infants exposed to devices simply to keep them quiet, as busy parents struggle to find time for meaningful interaction. Medical professionals have repeatedly warned of the negative cognitive and behavioral impacts of excessive screen time, yet these warnings often go unheeded. Young people today socialize differently. A group sitting together at a café may each be absorbed in their own device, sometimes even messaging the person seated across from them. This growing digital isolation has contributed to loneliness, self-centered behavior, and rising mental health challenges, including anxiety, substance abuse, and self-harm. Parents often struggle to comprehend this shift, partly because genuine communication within families has diminished. Children now have unrestricted access to vast amounts of information—both constructive and harmful—without necessarily possessing the maturity to process it responsibly.

What Can We Do?

The time to act is now, and meaningful change must begin at home. Parents must intentionally invest time in their children, rather than relying solely on schools or society to impart values and discipline. Value formation is a shared responsibility, but the foundation is laid within the family.

Reinforcing spiritual and moral grounding—through active engagement with places of worship and guidance from religious leaders—can help rebuild ethical frameworks. Reconnection with community institutions can restore a sense of belonging and accountability.

Television and digital platforms still possess immense potential to promote positive values. Content creators and broadcasters must consciously depict clear distinctions between right and wrong, highlighting the consequences of unethical behavior.

The use of mobile phones and access to social media should be monitored with care. Several countries have implemented restrictions on social media access for children under 15; such measures may warrant serious consideration.

Teachers and parents alike must serve as authentic role models. Children learn more from what they observe than from what they are told. We must practice what we preach—walking the talk if we expect the next generation to do the same.

Ultimately, technology itself is not the enemy. The challenge lies in how we manage it, balance it, and ensure that it serves humanity—rather than the other way around.

 (The writer is a Board Member of the WCIC. She is a Marketing professional who is now focused on consulting, specializing in organizational and people transformation. She is contactable on [email protected] or via the chamber)