I would say they are comparable in that they are both pleasure-seeking behaviors that are fine in moderation, but carry a significant risk of turning addictive and self destructive.
There are pros and cons to both. Both provide outlets for creativity and socialization. But I've lost several childhood friends to drug overdoses, and spending too much time on the phone can lead to withdrawal and depression.
I feel like you are asking me pick one or the other as the superior pastime, but I would choose neither. IMO kids are better off playing sports, playing in a band (without the drugs), drama club, etc. Those are structured activities - but given enough time and space people will start to form relationships too.
I think they were never fine in moderation, but one at least had a chance of real human connection, love, marriage, and even the potential for it to grow into something "mature", and non-hedonistic. And it's not the one with smartphones.
sex drugs and rock n roll are fine in moderation because they take place during human socialization and serve to enhance an experience of connection. does doom scrolling enrich anything outside of dopamine receptors & corporate profits? rather than request your choice of option, I intended to note that doom scrolling alone in bed could not be compared to the hedonism of generations above in any way outside of a common neurological response.
I imagine a lonely young adult scrolling away, then I imagine woodstock. not many parallels outside of the species involved ..
There are pros and cons to both. Both provide outlets for creativity and socialization. But I've lost several childhood friends to drug overdoses, and spending too much time on the phone can lead to withdrawal and depression.
I feel like you are asking me pick one or the other as the superior pastime, but I would choose neither. IMO kids are better off playing sports, playing in a band (without the drugs), drama club, etc. Those are structured activities - but given enough time and space people will start to form relationships too.