March 2017 | Business View Magazine

8 9 Social media also negative- ly affects a greater proportion of constant checkers compared with those who do not check as frequently. More than two in five constant checkers (42 percent) say that political and cultural discus- sions on social media cause them stress, compared with 33 percent of non-constant checkers. Additionally, 42 percent of constant checkers say they worry about negative effects of social media on their physical and mental health, compared with 27 percent of people who don’t check as often. Almost two-thirds of Americans (65 percent) somewhat or strongly agree that periodically “unplugging” or taking a “digital detox” is import- ant for their mental health. How- ever, only 28 percent of those who say this actually report doing so. “Taking a digital detox is one of the most helpful ways to manage stress related to technology use,” Bufka said. “Constant checkers could benefit from limiting their use of technology and presence on social media. Adults, and particu- larly parents, should strive to set a good example for children when it comes to a healthy relationship with technology.” in many ways, being constantly connected can have a negative impact on both their physical and mental health.” Parents also seem to be feeling the pressure to balance their children’s technology use as it affects familial interactions.While 94 percent of parents say that they take at least one action to manage their child’s technology usage during the school year, such as not allowing cell phones at the dinner table (32 percent) or limit- ing screen time before bed (32 percent), almost half (48 percent) say that regulating their child’s screen time is a constant battle, and more than half of parents (58 percent) report feeling like their child is attached to their phone or tablet. Additionally, almost half of parents (45 per- cent) say they feel disconnected from their families even when they are together because of technology. More than half of parents (58 percent) say they worry about the influence of social media on their child’s physical and men- tal health. opening lines W hen Helen Agnew bought debt protection that would cancel her car payments if she lost her job, she had no idea how valuable the protection would be. Debt protection is a suite of products available to consumers through creditors. Creditors offer the prod- ucts to help borrowers cover their payments when un- foreseen events occur such as job loss, disability, prop- erty damage, or death. Protection is generally available for auto purchases or loans, secured or unsecured loans, Financial Protection Products Preserve Financial Strength, Provide Peace of Mind