Digital Dementia: The hidden dangers of screen time

By Aavishi Bhatnagar

A hundred years back when people didn’t have mobile phones, computers or television, the amount of information they would consume in their entire lifetime would be less than what most teenagers and adults consume in a single day today!

Our day is filled with WhatsApp chats, Instagram posts, You Tube videos, e-mails, streaming films, soap operas and sports telecasts. The information is consumed across three screens – mobile phones, computers and television.

You may ask what’s the big deal if we consume digital content for hours at end.

But Dr Manfred Spitzer, a German neuroscientist, says this excessive screen time is leading to brain fog or digital dementia. Our brains are finding it harder and harder to deal with this digital overload.

Scientists have found that staring at a screen for more than four hours a day can raise your chances of developing digital dementia.

The question is: How do you know if you’re at risk?  You must look out for three common symptoms.

The first is your short-term memory starts to weaken. You forget things more easily, like why you walked into a room or what homework you have due.

The second is you lose focus. Instead of being able to sit and do one thing for a long time, you find yourself jumping from app to app, video to video, channel to channel, without really concentrating on anything.

The third is your brain’s ability to solve problems, remember details, and even communicate with others gets worse.

The sad part is most of us don’t realise what is happening. We think that only elders are susceptible to dementia. It is not true. Today, most youngsters and adults  are already walking down the digital dementia path.

Studies show the average person in India spends over seven hours a day on the mobile phone! Globally, it’s not much better, with people averaging nearly six hours and forty minutes of screen time.

Another thing to remember is that when you use your phone, it mostly stimulates the left side of your brain, which is great for logic and language. But the right side, which helps with creativity and concentration, doesn’t get much of a workout. Over time, this could lead to the right side ‘weakening,’ making it harder for you to focus or pay attention.

Also, every time you’re watching TV while texting a friend and scrolling social media, your brain is working overtime. This kind of multitasking causes your attention span to shrink.

Research conducted by Microsoft shows that in 2000, the average attention span of human beings was 12 seconds. But today? It has dropped to less than 8 seconds, which is less than the attention span of a goldfish!

And it’s not just about brain function. Slouching in front of screens all day can lead to poor posture, which messes with your nervous system and blood flow, making it even harder for your brain to work properly.

But here’s the good news. You can reverse some of these symptoms by spending less time on your devices. A 2014 study found that pre-teens who went on a digital detox —basically taking a break from TV, phones, and computers—showed major improvements in their communication skills.

Another study in 2019 showed that working professionals who took time off from their devices performed better at work.

Take heed of these studies and do the following six simple things to protect your brain while still enjoying your devices.

One, cut back on screen time. Start your day without checking your phone first thing in the morning. Instead, get up, stretch, and give your brain some time to wake up naturally. Hide your phone during meals. Chat with your family or friends instead. The connections you build are way more important than your latest WhatsApp notification.

Two, get outside and move. Physical activity, like playing sports or just going for a walk, boosts your brain power! It improves memory and helps you focus better when you get back to your schoolwork or gaming.

Those who spend long hours on computers as part of their day to day work must take breaks! Stretch, move around, and give your brain a rest.

Three, watch your posture. Sit up straight while watching television, using your computer or phone. Bad posture restricts blood flow to your brain and can contribute to digital dementia.

Four, read a book instead of scrolling. Reading not only gives your eyes a break from the screen but also improves your memory and focus. Try it for just 20 minutes a day — you might be surprised how much you enjoy it.

Five, turn off devices before you go to sleep. Putting your phone away before going to bed can help you sleep better and reduce the impact of screen-related radiation.

Six, focus on one thing at a time. Multitasking might feel like you’re getting more done, but in reality, it’s hurting your ability to focus. Every time you check your phone during study or work hours, you’re breaking your concentration, and it’s harder for your brain to get back on track. Work smarter by focusing on one task at a time.

Remember, technology is awesome. But like everything else, too much of it can be bad for you.

Prioritize your brain’s health. Scrolling through Instagram or replying to an SMS or email can wait. Trust me, giving your brain a break from digital overload can make a huge difference.

Remember, balance is key. Use your devices wisely, but don’t forget to give your brain the rest it needs.

Take care of your brain, and it’ll take care of you!

Read also:
The Fountain of Youth: Aim for 8-12 Glasses of Water Daily
Why the mere fear of falls alters elderly behaviour