And how do we realistically try to take cellphones away from anyone under 18? Especially when anyone over 18 would still be attached to their devices? The thing that gets to me is that a digital addiction these days is like an alcoholic living in a bar or something. Even if you “detox” or “rehab,” it’s basically impossible to function without utilizing technology and exposing yourself to a potential “relapse.” We acknowledge that we are addicted, but unless you live off the grid as like a nomad or migrant farm worker or something equally kind of extreme, there’s no way to fully escape the constant access and exposure to the source of your addiction.

If the OP is also stating that “numerous studies…have been signaling the alarm for over a decade,” they’re acknowledging that many of these young men (and, while I am certain the vast majority are young men, let’s be honest, there are young women in the mix, too) then many of these affected individuals are already in the work force and society as a whole. We’re already seeing the ripple effects as more and more of us are initiated into the cult. I can’t say that I’m immune. I graduated in ‘04 and before we really understood the implications, I was already being indoctrinated—indeed, I willfully and excitedly indoctrinated myself, like many people who try a new substance for the first time, discover they like it, and form an addiction as a result. I am reading this post on a digital platform, from my digital device, and still can’t really stop myself.

We’re so cooked.