SALT LAKE CITY — Our world is steeped in technology. Everywhere you go, people are engaged with their screen. Whether you are posting to Instagram, sending a Snapchat or tweeting, kids and adults alike are constantly interacting with their smartphone or tablet.

Screen time, like many other things, can be a valuable asset or a dangerous waste of time. It’s all about balance. Think about that balance while you are making your New Year’s resolutions for 2017 and make your screen time count by implementing these simple tips.

Find balance

Screen time isn’t inherently good or bad. It’s the overindulgence of screen time that can be a problem, and finding the right balance is essential. Make sure you spend at least as much time having quality conversations and engaging in human interaction as you spend on your phone.

Take a minute to appreciate life in real time, instead of from behind a phone screen.

Automate your home using your smartphone

Once an imagining of sci-fi films, home automation is becoming an essential part of the average home, and by 2020, more than 26 billion devices will be connected to the Internet of Things. Smart home features like lights, heating and cooling systems, sprinklers, alarm systems, smart locks and carbon monoxide detectors let you remotely control your home from your mobile device or tablet—and save you some time and money in the process.

Watch something new

Instead of watching reruns of TV shows you can quote in your sleep, watch a documentary, an old classic you haven't seen or home videos. Television time can be a great way to relax and relieve stress, according to Forbes, but by watching different things, you can use your screen time to learn something new, relive great memories or spend quality time alone or with family.

Watch TV with your kids or spouse

Watching TV with your kids or spouse is a great way to bond. Studies show that co-viewing television shows with your kids is beneficial to their development and your relationship with your child, according to Forbes.

When the kids are in bed for the night, watching a show with your spouse can be an easy way to do something together after a long day.

Use your smartphone to check in on your family and pets

If you are a working parent or a traveling businessperson, you may spend some time away from your home, kids and pets. Several security systems and indoor cameras let you use your smartphone to check in on your family and pets while you are away, preventing a break-in.

This smartphone feature is a great way to give parents peace of mind and allows you to keep tabs on young children, aging parents or even your furry family member.

Vow to not use screens while driving

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the U.S., more than 1,100 fatalities and injuries occur every day as a result of distracted driving, so vow to put your phone away while driving. Encourage your friends and children to do the same. Focus on the road when driving and completely ignore any screens while you are behind the wheel.

Use Twitter to stay up-to-date with current events

Twitter is a great way to stay caught up on current events—not many people have the time to sit down in the morning and read the entire newspaper. Follow some of the top news publications on Twitter and you’ll be able to quickly read what is going on in the world while waiting at the doctor or standing in line at the grocery store.

Remove the screen from your bedroom

By removing TVs, cellphones and tablets from your bedroom, you force yourself to disengage from tech and engage in human interaction. Use the time before bed to have a meaningful conversation with your spouse, to mediate or to read a book.

Read a book before bed

Instead of playing on your phone at night, pick up an old-fashioned, paper book and read a chapter or two before bed. Not only will you sleep better, but you may even feel an increased sense of safety and general well-being, according to Huffington Post.

Download apps that make you think

If you’re going to download apps, consider downloading a few that make you think. Apps can be a great way to stay organized, connected and up-to-date. They can also challenge you and make you smarter. Download a few apps that encourage logic and strategic thinking or teach you facts and trivia.

Use screens to connect with loved ones

Never before have we had the ability to stay so connected with the rest of the world. You can interact on Skype or FaceTime with people thousands of miles away, allowing you to connect with family members who are abroad. Screen time can be a great way for kids to connect with grandparents who live far away or for parents to connect with their children at college.

Set screen time do's and don’ts

Set appropriate boundaries when it comes to screen time. Make clear family rules about when screen time is appropriate and when it is not. For instance, screen time might be acceptable after dinner or while riding in the car, but devices need to be put away during family dinner. By setting screen time rules, family members can set and live up to reasonable expectations.

What are some screen time boundaries you have set that have been helpful? Let us know in the comments.