Commentary: Why have screens replaced socialising?

John Burn-Murdoch, a correspondent for the Financial Times, has been analyzing the reasons behind the increasing preference for screens over socializing and reading. Over the past two decades in high-income countries, there have been notable declines in both social connections and reading activities. While some argue that these shifts are primarily due to corporate greed and capitalism, others believe that the rise in screen time can be attributed to the quality of digital entertainment rather than the decline in prices.

One theory suggests that the increasing costs of social activities like dining out and attending events have led people to stay at home more often, resulting in less face-to-face interaction. Similarly, the decline in reading could be attributed to the rising prices of books. However, this argument doesn't hold water, as the costs of food, drink, and entertainment have risen more than overall inflation, while the prices of groceries, TV, video, and the internet have trailed behind.

When examining socializing patterns, it is observed that people spend less time socializing with friends at home or in other free spaces, such as parks. The decline in hosting activities has been significant, with Americans spending nearly half as much time with friends at one another's homes as they did in 2013. Additionally, the shift away from costly out-of-home settings is predominantly confined to socializing, with fitness visits rising only when done alone.

A closer look at screen time reveals that the quality-adjusted price index for digital entertainment has dropped by 39% since 2000, primarily due to improvements in quality rather than price reductions. This has led to a 52% increase in real-terms spending per person on digital technology. While screens may seem to offer a superior experience at a lower cost, they are actually winning out through their convenience and ability to capture attention, even if it comes at a high financial and social cost.

The decline in socializing and reading is more about convenience than affordability. Arranging a social gathering or reading a book demands effort and the risk of potential awkwardness or social disappointment. In contrast, scrolling through social media or streaming a movie is a guaranteed experience with minimal effort and risk. This trend highlights the importance of finding ways to encourage people to overcome temptation and prioritize long-term gains over short-term pleasures.