By Dr. Michael Hanifen, B.S., D.C., Ed.D.
Something is happening to American families, and Alaska is not immune.
We are more connected digitally than ever before, yet increasingly disconnected from each other physically, emotionally, and socially.
Children spend hours staring at screens instead of moving their bodies outdoors. Families sit together while everyone scrolls separately. Many adults are mentally exhausted before the day even begins because their nervous systems never fully disconnect from constant stimulation, stress, notifications, and digital noise.
Then we wonder why anxiety, exhaustion, behavioral struggles, poor sleep, attention problems, and chronic stress continue to rise.
This is not simply a political issue or a healthcare issue. It is a cultural issue.
Human beings were not designed to live in a constant state of stimulation. The brain and nervous system require periods of movement, quiet, recovery, face-to-face interaction, purpose, and real-world engagement. Yet modern culture increasingly pushes the opposite direction.
Many children today spend more time on devices than climbing trees, riding bikes, playing sports, exploring outdoors, or engaging in meaningful in-person interaction. Adults are often no different. Work follows us home through phones and laptops, while social media and entertainment compete continuously for attention.
The result is a population that is overstimulated, under-recovered, physically inactive, and emotionally depleted.
Alaska once naturally encouraged many of the habits that supported stronger families and healthier nervous systems. We spent more time outdoors. Families interacted face to face. Children moved more. Communities were tighter. Attention spans were longer. Life moved slower.
Technology itself is not the enemy. But unlimited access without boundaries has consequences, especially for developing minds and stressed families already carrying enormous pressure.
Parents matter here.
Culture matters here.
Personal responsibility matters here.
No government policy can fully replace intentional parenting, family structure, healthy routines, outdoor activity, discipline, faith, meaningful conversation, and time disconnected from digital overload.
As a healthcare provider, I increasingly see the downstream effects of chronic stress and overstimulation affecting both adults and children. Poor sleep, anxiety, muscular tension, fatigue, headaches, behavioral challenges, and difficulty regulating emotions are becoming common discussions inside healthcare offices across the country.
Many families do not need another app, another device, or another distraction.
They need boundaries.
They need movement.
They need recovery.
They need connection.
Alaska families are incredibly resilient, but resilience requires intentional habits that strengthen both mind and body over time.
We cannot allow convenience and constant stimulation to quietly replace the foundational behaviors that help families thrive.
The future health of our communities may depend on reclaiming them.
Dr. Michael Hanifen, B.S., D.C., Ed.D., is a chiropractor, educator, veteran, and owner of North Star Chiropractic Wellness Center in Anchorage.
