messages or social media, helps us feel less isolated. It reduces feelings of loneliness, bringing a sense of comfort and community.  We canread online books, watch movies, listen to music, find information, learn new skills, post pictures, look at picture’s others posted, play games (which can strengthen brain functioning), visit museums, attend performances and travel.

The fact that you can communicate whenever you want, wherever you are, and to whomever does not mean that you should. Wanting to connect with someone right now might not be shared. Those we want to talk to may be accessible but not available. Similarly, the fact that we receive an email or a message does not mean that we
need to respond right away.

Research suggests that being glued to our screens 24/7 is harmful to our health. Also important is not the time we spend using our electronic devices but how we use them.

ARCS refers to four ways to better control using your devices:
A = Avoid negative people and sites - Being online means exposing yourself to messages that may cause anger, fear, hatred and other harmful emotions.

• If some people in your social network post messages that trigger the above emotions, mute, unfollow or unfriend them. Surround yourself with people who are positive.
• The internet is full of disinformation. Some news and posts may try to scare and anger you. Verify that the news that causes those emotions is indeed true and credible. Follow the most reliable news outlets. If online posts triggering negative emotions do not appear in reliable sources, they are probably not true. Reliable sources often come from educational institutions (.edu), organizations (.org) and government sites (.gov).

R = Resist distractions - Your devices send you constant notifications about breaking news, emails, messages, or phone calls. One survey reveals that Americans check their smartphones 80 times a day. Checking what’s going on immediately creates a false sense of urgency. This can interrupt what you are doing and stress you out. Being dialed in 24/7 is not good for your mental well-being. People who respond to their phones more often have higher stress levels.

• Create a schedule for checking emails. Checking them two to three times daily lets you run your email rather than letting it run you.
• Make sure you tell others so they can respect your boundaries.
• Turn off the notification option on your devices so you are not constantly reminded about what you are missing.

C = Curb your screen time - With the 24/7 availability of online resources, you spend an increasing amount of time staring at a screen. Many of the activities online are designed to be addictive. Decide how much time you want to be online, what hours and for how long.

• Designate a screen-free time when you will not be on your device.
• Avoid using your device two to three hours before going to sleep.
• When you engage in an activity or a face-to-face conversation, mute your phone, place it out of sight and be fully present in the moment.

S = Shield your privacy - Scammers target people who might be vulnerable and are new to the internet. Beware of emails or messages from people you do not know and even people you do – especially if the message looks off or not typical for that individual.

• Never give your personal information online (e.g., social security number, credit card numbers, address, passwords).
• If in doubt, verify the organizations and people who are asking for your information. Call the organization, asking for the person who sent you the email to see if they really sent it.

Try the ARCS principles for a week. Take note of how it makes you feel.

Most important: stay connected, informed and safe online!