McGill prof talks the benefits of unplugging
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
In a world of constant connectivity, stepping back from screens has grown increasingly appealing, especially for young people navigating the pressures of digital life. Every third Sunday in November, the 24h PAUSE challenge invites teens and young adults across Quebec to participate in a full-day “digital detox.” The event, organized by Capsana with support from the Ministry of Health and Social Services, encourages participants to disconnect from their devices for 24 hours, offering an opportunity to reevaluate their relationship with technology. Since its inception in 2019, the event has drawn over 24,000 participants, fostering a growing awareness of how technology affects daily life.
Dr. Sara M. Grimes, Wolfe Chair in Scientific and Technological Literacy at McGill University, recently discussed the nuances of digital media and youth engagement in an interview with The Record. While Dr. Grimes was not directly involved in creating the 24h PAUSE initiative, she endorses its value, noting how well it resonates with today’s youth. “The challenge speaks to young people,” she said, explaining that 24-hour challenges are already familiar to them as they’re popular among YouTubers and social media influencers. “They’re supposed to be a little uncomfortable, but they’re manageable—bringing it this way really connects with kids.”
Drawing on her research, Dr. Grimes shared her perspectives on both the positive and negative impacts of digital media. Initially, she encountered mostly optimistic views on digital media as it offered young users new ways to connect socially and explore educational content. Over time, however, she observed a shift, with young people becoming more aware of both the advantages and disadvantages of constant connectivity. Dr. Grimes described it as a “complicated field,” noting that young people are now more digitally literate and able to identify both the benefits and pitfalls of their online interactions. She emphasized that the sheer amount of screen exposure today, in schools and at home, has led to a more nuanced understanding among young users.
Among the benefits, social interaction stands out as a significant positive aspect of digital media. Dr. Grimes explained, “Kids can play together on games like Roblox or Fortnite, even if they’re not allowed to physically be in the same place. That bonding experience is gratifying and beneficial for their friendships.” Digital spaces provide valuable social outlets, especially for youth who might lack them outside of school. Yet, the same digital landscape also exposes young users to commercialization and toxic interactions that can affect their self-esteem and overall well-being. “A lot of kids complain about the commercialization of online spaces. Constant ads can create feelings of longing and inadequacy,” she added. Young users are also frequently exposed to offensive comments and behaviour online, and while many know how to block users, Dr. Grimes pointed out that “there’s a grey area of toxicity” that younger children, in particular, might struggle to navigate.
This balance between connection and commercialization is just one of the complexities children face in digital spaces. Another prominent concern, especially for young girls, is how social media platforms can impact self-image. Dr. Grimes remarked on how algorithms often lead young girls to content promoting beauty standards or even self-harm. “It starts off with harmless content, like beauty tips, but can quickly spiral into harmful areas,” she noted. Revelations from whistleblowers on platforms like Facebook and Instagram have shown that these companies were aware of how their algorithms could drive harmful content to young users, particularly girls, as a way to increase engagement. Dr. Grimes was frank in her condemnation: “I hope they get sued.”
While boys are not immune to negative digital pathways, the type of content they encounter differs. Dr. Grimes explained how boys can become entangled in what’s known as the “manosphere,” where hyper-masculine and, at times, misogynistic ideologies are prevalent. “Boys often start with innocuous interests, like fitness, but can quickly be exposed to harmful messages about gender and dominance,” she said. Though these messages may not be as immediately visible as those affecting young girls, Dr. Grimes cautioned that they are equally harmful. “This exposure can shape boys’ attitudes in damaging ways, impacting relationships and societal perspectives,” she added.
Given these challenges, Dr. Grimes is wary of restrictive measures, such as those proposed in Australia, where lawmakers are considering banning social media use for those under 16. While banning might seem like a straightforward solution, Dr. Grimes argues that such restrictions rarely keep young users off platforms. “Platforms have banned kids under 13 for years, and yet, many are still on there,” she explained. Instead of focusing on bans, which can leave children unprotected in less monitored online spaces, Dr. Grimes advocates for robust content moderation policies and greater accountability from tech companies. “These companies need to clean up their act,” she said, emphasizing the need for transparency around algorithms and data collection.
The 24h PAUSE event, in Dr. Grimes’ view, offers a more constructive approach, encouraging young people to assess and balance their screen time. Rather than imposing rigid restrictions, the challenge allows youth to explore their digital habits and set personal boundaries. “It’s feasible,” she said, explaining that “24 hours is long enough to create a little discomfort, especially for those heavily engaged with their devices, but it’s manageable.” Dr. Grimes described this “controlled discomfort” as an opportunity for young users to step back and evaluate their dependency on screens. She believes that this brief break can offer a “reset,” providing a chance to identify what they truly value and what they’re relieved to leave behind.
One benefit of the 24h PAUSE challenge is its emphasis on youth agency over screen time. Dr. Grimes referenced a study by MediaSmarts that found 44 per cent of Canadian youth aged 8 to 12 felt they spent too much time on their devices. “For many, screen use is a choice. And having a break helps them realize they have control,” she said. The challenge reinforces the idea that young people can manage their screen use, despite the necessity of digital devices for school and other essential activities.
While events like 24h PAUSE are valuable, Dr. Grimes also emphasized the need to incorporate digital literacy in education. Schools vary in their approach, with some offering structured computer and privacy lessons while others face challenges in delivering comprehensive digital literacy. “Ontario and Quebec have made a lot of progress, but it’s still unevenly applied across schools,” she noted. With better funding and commitment, schools could offer consistent media literacy programs to help students navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
As digital technology becomes increasingly embedded in daily life, Dr. Grimes advocates for a balanced approach that recognizes both the benefits and risks of screen time. She cautioned against framing technology as an outright threat, instead urging a focus on enhancing positive elements and addressing the negatives. For many young people, digital media is a central part of life, providing social connections, entertainment, and learning opportunities. Events like the 24h PAUSE challenge present an opportunity to step back and consider the role technology plays in their lives. “We need to ensure we’re doing this in a way that protects the good stuff too,” Dr. Grimes said.