Digital Media Balance Challenges

Organize these options into the right categories

Groups:

(a) Benefits

,

(b) Drawbacks

• I can watch funny videos whenever I want

• I fell as if I always have to respond to a message right away, even if I don't want to

• I can keep in touch with my family and friends anytime

• Being online can distract me from being present with my family like at dinner time

Which of the following best describes the concept of media balance?

• Not using any form of digital media

• getting distracted by digital media when doing homework

• using digital media in a way that feels healthy and in balance with your other life activities

• Choosing to play your favorite video games

Kaira likes to create art, especially paintings. But lately Kaira has been so busy keeping up with friends online that there never seems to be enough time. Imagine you're Kaira. What should you do?

• ​​​​Use a sketching app while watching videos so you can focus on two things at the same time.

• 
  Wait until your schedule slows down. You can always do your art later.

• Schedule time to paint and turn off your phone during that time. It's important to do the things you like

• Cross this activity off your list because you can't do everything.

Kendall likes to relax before bed by watching funny videos on her phone, but she often loses track of time and doesn't go to sleep until really late. Then she has a hard time waking up for school in the morning, making her feel grumpy. Thinking about the Digital Habits Checkup, what would be an appropriate challenge for Kendall to try?

• Using her phone to chat with friends instead of watching videos.

• Setting a timer to watch videos for 15 minutes, then putting her phone on a charger in another room at night.

• Forcing herself to go to sleep early without having a moment to relax.

• Watching videos earlier when she's doing her homework.

Jordan notices that he spends most of his free time playing games on his tablet and rarely goes outside to play basketball, which he used to enjoy. What is a good way for Jordan to find more balance?

• Set aside specific times for basketball and put his tablet away during that time.

• Only play basketball if his friends are online to watch.

• Play games on his tablet while watching basketball videos.

• Stop playing basketball altogether and focus on gaming.

Which of the following is an example of practicing healthy digital habits?

• Staying up late every night to scroll through social media.

• Turning off notifications when doing homework to avoid distractions.

• Watching videos while walking to school.

• Using your phone during meals with family.

Sam wants to spend more time reading books, but keeps getting distracted by messages on his phone. What could Sam do to help himself focus on reading?

• Only read when he has no new messages.

• Stop reading books and just use his phone instead.

• Turn off his phone or put it in another room while reading.

• Read with his phone next to him so he can check messages quickly.

Which of the following is a sign that you might need to improve your media balance?

• You never use any digital media at all.

• You often skip meals or lose sleep because you're using digital devices.

• You have time for your hobbies, friends, and schoolwork.

• You use your phone only to call your family.

What is a good strategy to avoid getting distracted by your phone while studying?

• Check your phone every few minutes for updates.

• Put your phone on silent and keep it in another room.

• Use your phone to listen to music and check messages at the same time.

• Keep your phone on your desk with notifications on.

Alex spends hours watching videos online and feels tired the next day. What could Alex do to create a healthier routine?

• Only watch videos late at night.

• Stop watching videos completely, even if it makes Alex unhappy.

• Watch even more videos to relax.

• Set a specific time limit for watching videos and stick to it.