From Valleynewslive · · 1m 10s
The growing movement to go offline
From flip phones to 911 staffing crises, InvestigateTV explores modern life's digital and human challenges.
In brief
From flip phones to 911 staffing crises, InvestigateTV explores modern life's digital and human challenges. Excessive screen time is driving a growing movement of Americans to intentionally reduce smartphone use and return to simpler devices. Originally reported by Valleynewslive.
Americans ditching their smartphones
Over 90% of Americans own a smartphone, but a growing number are intentionally dialing back. Research links excessive screen time to anxiety, depression, and sleep problems.
The 911 dispatcher crisis
Emergency dispatch centers face a staffing shortage reaching every state. Between 2019 and 2022, typical vacancy rates hit 25% due to stress and overtime.
Trade schools see enrollment surge
Trade school enrollment grew nearly 5% between 2020 and 2023. At South Tech High School in St. Louis, students learn collision repair on a donated 1979 MGB Roadster.
A Korean teen honors a veteran
14-year-old Eunji Lee from South Korea moved to Nebraska and wrote letters to Korean War veteran Marine Cpl. Rex Gruber to ensure his sacrifice wasn't forgotten.
A ceremony that changed everything
Eunji attended a ceremony at Offutt Air Force Base where her father, a Korean liaison officer, presented a flag to Gruber. The experience transformed her perspective.
The essence
Excessive screen time is driving a growing movement of Americans to intentionally reduce smartphone use and return to simpler devices.
