Today’s average student spends one-third of his or her life in front of a screen. This screen time has had negative consequences. In one study, several children who normally used gadgets arrived at a summer camp and took a test called the DANVA2, which measured their ability to interpret others’ facial expressions. After several days interacting face-to-face without the distraction of their gadgets, the students took the DANVA2 again. The results showed they were much better at gauging others’ emotional cues.

Alter argues that it is still too early to tell what the long-term effects of addictive technology might be on children. Studies show, however, that difficult mental challenges are beneficial for development. Devices, in contrast, aim to make everything as mentally easy as possible. There is also research that demonstrates that heavy reliance on technology can decrease memory function and communication skills. Face-to-face interaction, meanwhile, can increase empathy.

A video on YouTube shows an infant who understands how to swipe on an iPad but becomes frustrated when she interacts with an inert magazine. She is among the first humans who have seen the world this way. Hilarie Cash, of reSTART, argues that children shouldn’t be involved with screens before they reach two years old.