I think the classic midwit response would be to say that in order to determine if this is negative from a longtermism perspective, we'd first have to prove that

I think the classic midwit response would be to say that in order to determine if this is negative from a longtermism perspective, we'd first have to prove that: 1. this level of preoccupation is a new and historically significant phenomenon 2. the time not spent on scrolling would be spent on something else more productive Both seem plausible, but they also seem like a couple of those tricky conclusions that seem naturally right but would fall apart with some research. For example, I think it would be better if we all spent time at cafes instead, but it's hard to say that that would result in better societal outcomes.