Youth, Screen Time, and the AI Crisis: How ExciteAll Stars Is Leading a Healthier Way Forward

We're facing an unprecedented crisis in youth development. As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms our digital landscape, young people are spending more time than ever glued to screens, often at the expense of their social, emotional, and physical well-being. Recent studies reveal alarming trends: rising rates of anxiety and depression among teens, declining face-to-face social skills, and a generation struggling to find balance between their digital and real-world lives.

While many youth programs continue to focus solely on academics or career preparation, Excite All Stars recognized early that today's young people need something different: something more comprehensive. Our Youth and Screen Time initiative goes beyond traditional mentorship by directly addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time: helping youth develop healthy relationships with technology while building meaningful connections in the real world.

The Growing Digital Crisis

The statistics are sobering. Today's teenagers spend an average of 7-9 hours daily on screens, with social media and gaming platforms designed specifically to capture and hold their attention. These platforms use sophisticated algorithms: many powered by AI: that create addictive engagement patterns, making it increasingly difficult for young people to self-regulate their usage.

The impact extends far beyond simple "too much screen time." We're seeing increased rates of social anxiety, sleep disruption, reduced physical activity, and difficulty with face-to-face communication. Perhaps most concerning is the growing disconnect from real-world experiences that are crucial for healthy development: team sports, creative arts, leadership opportunities, and meaningful mentorship relationships. Read the full article