Tech Wellness Act Mandates National Study on Screen Addiction Among Men Aged 25-64

The newly introduced Tech Wellness for Men Act isn't about setting new laws or regulations right now—it’s about getting the facts straight. Specifically, it directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), in partnership with the Department of Labor (DOL) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), to conduct a major national study on what the bill calls “screen addiction” among men aged 25 to 64 (SEC. 2).

This isn't just a survey; it’s a deep dive into how excessive screen time is hitting this demographic. The study is required to look at the whole picture: the health side (like rising rates of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders), the economic side (impacts on productivity and workforce participation), and the social side (declining participation in family life and civic groups). Think of it as trying to quantify the cost of endless scrolling, both on the couch and in the economy (SEC. 2).

The Real-World Connection: Work and Wellness

For the guy juggling a demanding job and family life, or the one struggling to find work, this study aims to connect the dots between screen overuse and real-world consequences. For example, the bill specifically asks researchers to look at the impact of screen time on economic disengagement and workforce participation. If a construction worker or a software developer is less productive or even drops out of the labor force due to issues linked to screen habits, this study wants to measure that cost to the individual and the system (SEC. 2).

The study also has a mandate to look at specific high-risk groups, including veterans, unemployed men, and formerly incarcerated individuals, alongside geographic differences (urban vs. rural). This focus acknowledges that the pressures leading to screen overuse likely aren't uniform across the country. By looking at these specific populations, the government is trying to figure out where the problem is hitting hardest.

What Happens Next?

The good news is that this isn't just research for the archives. The Act requires HHS to publish a summary of the findings on a public website within 18 months of the bill becoming law. Crucially, that summary must also include an identification of mental health resources specifically related to screen addiction among adult men (SEC. 2). So, the end goal is not just to understand the problem, but to immediately provide tools and resources to those who need help. While the term “screen addiction” is broad and not strictly defined in the bill, the benefit here is clear: getting actionable data on a growing public health concern and making sure resources are publicly accessible.