I was given unrestricted access to an iPad as a 6yo. My dad would always be too busy to do anything so he’d give me his iPad (2) or his iPhone (3gs) whenever I’d ask with almost no hesitation. In retrospect, I do wish he was at least a little more strict. I could sit on a screen for 18 hours in a day with no intervention from my parents… but I wouldn’t. (my parents love me by the way and didn’t neglect me…I think)
I mostly mindlessly watched Minecraft youtube videos, lets play videos, and would occasionally play some mobile game.
Pros:
- Developed my vocabulary by listening to adult conversation (commentators)
- Became adept with technology by getting familiarity with navigating the internet and jailbreaking the devices
- Became a fast typer
- Was able to easily make friends who watched similar YouTubers
Cons:
- Difficulty focusing
- Became impulsive as having instant access to technology is a form of instant gratification that was drilled into me
- Learned every swear at 6 years old
- Discovered porn at 7 years old
Regardless, I do think I turned out fine. I was a straight-A student throughout my entire K-12 education, made plenty friends, and have maintained an ambitious outlook on my career.
I mostly mindlessly watched Minecraft youtube videos, lets play videos, and would occasionally play some mobile game.
Pros: - Developed my vocabulary by listening to adult conversation (commentators) - Became adept with technology by getting familiarity with navigating the internet and jailbreaking the devices - Became a fast typer - Was able to easily make friends who watched similar YouTubers
Cons: - Difficulty focusing - Became impulsive as having instant access to technology is a form of instant gratification that was drilled into me - Learned every swear at 6 years old - Discovered porn at 7 years old
Regardless, I do think I turned out fine. I was a straight-A student throughout my entire K-12 education, made plenty friends, and have maintained an ambitious outlook on my career.