Group 1 - Excessive use of smartphones and social media is altering brain structure and function, impacting attention, emotions, and memory, and changing communication methods [1] - The average daily media usage for U.S. teenagers aged 13 to 19 is over 7 hours, while children aged 8 to 12 spend nearly 5 hours, indicating a significant increase in media consumption [2] - Over 50% of Americans own a smartphone before the age of 11, and 95% of American teenagers have access to smartphones, highlighting the prevalence of digital devices among youth [2] Group 2 - Teenagers are the largest users of texting and instant messaging, sending an average of hundreds of messages daily, which is estimated to be over ten times that of adults aged 55 and older [3] - Communication among teenagers is highly fragmented, utilizing multiple applications and social media platforms, often while engaging in other activities like watching videos or doing homework [4] - Increased screen time correlates with lower attachment levels between parents and adolescents, suggesting a negative impact on relationships due to high media consumption [6] Group 3 - Compulsive texting among teenagers can interfere with other tasks, leading to anxiety when restricted, and is associated with declining academic performance [7] - Research indicates that while high media consumption is linked to lower attachment levels, spending more time on reading and homework correlates with stronger relationships with parents [6]