This position paper argues that real-time generative AI has the potential to become the next wave of addictive digital media, creating a new class of digital content akin to "digital heroin" with severe implications for mental health and youth development. By shortening the content-generation feedback loop to mere seconds, these advanced models will soon be able to hyper-personalize outputs on the fly. When paired with misaligned incentives (e.g., maximizing user engagement), this will fuel unprecedented compulsive consumption patterns with far-reaching consequences for mental health, cognitive development, and social stability. Drawing on interdisciplinary research, from clinical observations of social media addiction to neuroscientific studies of dopamine-driven feedback, we illustrate how real-time tailored content generation may erode user autonomy, foment emotional distress, and disproportionately endanger vulnerable groups, such as adolescents. Due to the rapid advancement of generative AI and its potential to induce severe addictionlike effects, we call for strong government oversight akin to existing controls on addictive substances, particularly for minors. We further urge the machine learning community to act proactively by establishing robust design guidelines, collaborating with public health experts, and supporting targeted policy measures to ensure responsible and ethical deployment, rather than paving the way for another wave of unregulated digital dependence.

The company behind the UK's newest video game console is not concerned with the latest state-of-the-art graphics or hardware. Instead, David Lee, chief executive of US technology firm Nex, says its cube-shaped machine, the Nex Playground, is designed to get children moving. The relatively little-known device surprised the games industry when research firm Circana revealed it was the third best-selling console in the US over Black Friday 2025, outselling the Xbox Series S and X. While motion-controlled gaming is nothing new - Nintendo's Wii launched in 2006 - concerns around children's passive screen time remain a hot topic for many parents and politicians. Ahead of the UK launch I spoke to parents who already own the console in the US, and tried the machine myself to find out how it works - and if it can really get families feeling fitter.

Tim Smith: 'Today's short-form, fast-paced, highly captivating content may affect children's attention, comprehension and emotional response'. Tim Smith: 'Today's short-form, fast-paced, highly captivating content may affect children's attention, comprehension and emotional response'. Pioneering UK Nerve Lab harnesses AI to map effect of children's screen time P arents are constantly being told to limit their children's screen time. A relatively slow-paced programme such as Bluey offers a very different viewing experience to a fast-moving action series such as PAW Patrol, yet both are broadly considered suitable for young children. This challenge is growing as the type of content children are exposed to evolves.

As part of a growing anti-tech movement, startup dumb.co is pushing flip phones as a way for young people to find ‘social and spiritual freedom’

They can be high-tech, but crucially, are "screen-free." Bondu is a stuffed dinosaur that speaks 27 languages. It--or, more precisely, the AI chatbot embedded inside it--can also play games, help with homework, and patiently answer a child's questions, even the really inane ones. Its "bedtime mode" includes breathing exercises and stories. Bondu, which costs $300 and comes in four colors, is marketed as a playmate, a confidant, a teacher, a quasi-caregiver.

Things to Do in L.A. Tap to enable a layout that focuses on the article. Children and parents at a recent L.A. Unified school board meeting where screen-time limits were discussed. This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here . The L.A. Board of Education got its first look at proposed screen-time limits for students, including a total ban until secnd grade.

Things to Do in L.A. Tap to enable a layout that focuses on the article. Alberto Carvalho sits with third-grade students as he visits classrooms at Lenicia B. Weemes Elementary School on the first day of classes for LAUSD students in 2023. This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here . Leaders who helped drive L.A. Unified's recent test-score gains are exiting as Supt.

Things to Do in L.A. Tap to enable a layout that focuses on the article. Students with computers participate in a summer program at Canoga Park High School in 2022. This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here . Los Angeles Unified is poised to reverse years of promoting classroom technology with restrictions on student screen time.

Things to Do in L.A. Kate Brody's 7-year-old son plays at home in North Hollywood on March 14. This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here . Early childhood experts say excessive screen time displaces hands-on learning and peer interaction critical to development. At least 11 states have considered legislation limiting technology in the classroom this year.

Will Storr: 'I was shocked to find my daily average was over four hours.' Will Storr: 'I was shocked to find my daily average was over four hours.' We have lost so much of ourselves to smartphones: can we get it back? My use of mobile phones has been compulsive - has it been for better or for worse? From a priest to a pensioner, a teenager to a tech CEO: can you guess our screen time? I n 2003, the Stanford social scientist BJ Fogg published an extraordinarily prescient book.