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Jan 28, 2022 · We hypothesize that excessive screen exposure during critical periods of development in Generation Z will lead to mild cognitive impairments in early to middle adulthood resulting in substantially increased rates of early onset dementia in later adulthood.
- Overview
- Is “digital dementia” a real condition?
- Symptoms of digital dementia
- How do you prevent digital dementia?
- Takeaway
As we move further and further into the digital age, it’s important to be aware of how the technology we use impacts our mental health and cognitive function.
Dementia is an umbrella term that describes a decline in the ability to think and affects memory, language, and reasoning, due to changes in the brain.
Symptoms of dementia range from mild to severe and can have a significant impact on someone’s functioning and quality of life.
Some experts use the term “digital dementia” to describe cognitive changes associated with technology overuse. While digital dementia isn’t an actual condition, research does suggest that excess technology use can lead to dementia-like changes and possibly even increase dementia risk.
Digital dementia, a term coined by German neuroscientist and psychiatrist Manfred Spitzer in 2012, describes changes in cognition as a result of overusing technology.
Although digital dementia is not an actual diagnosable health condition, the theory that technology overuse negatively impacts cognition may have scientific merit. In fact, several studies have found a link between internet use, “screen time,” and cognitive changes.
One study from 2022 explored the impact of sedentary behaviors, including using the computer and watching TV, on overall dementia risk.
According to the results, more time spent on cognitively passive behaviors — like watching TV — led to an increased risk of dementia, regardless of physical activity levels. However, cognitively active passive activities — like using the computer — were associated with a lower dementia risk.
In another review from 2023, researchers found evidence that excess screen use negatively impacts executive functioning and working memory, among other changes, in both children and teenagers.
Another large study published in 2023 analyzed the relationship between screen-based sedentary activities and dementia risk in over 462,000 participants. In this study, the researchers assessed both computer use and television viewing.
Digital dementia isn’t a diagnosable condition, so it’s difficult to say exactly what the symptoms are. However, as the name implies, some of the symptoms may be similar to those of dementia, such as:
•problems with short-term memory
•easily losing or forgetting things
•having difficulty recalling words
•experiencing trouble with multitasking
Similar to dementia, digital dementia may also cause changes in communication, focus, reasoning, and more. It’s also not uncommon for excess screen time to result in sleep and mood changes, which also have a significant effect on brain function.
Technology has afforded us the ability to make huge strides in society — from connecting us with people across the world to improving efficiency in our classrooms and hospitals, and more.
But there’s no denying that excessive technology use has a negative impact on our brains. With research suggesting that teenagers spend roughly 6 hours a day on their phones, it’s clear that moderation is the key to combatting digital dementia.
So, here are a few steps you can take to break away from the screen and offset the negative impact of technology overuse:
•Limit phone notifications: One way to avoid constantly being on your phone or in front of a screen is to limit the number of notifications you receive. If a certain notification isn’t urgent, consider silencing it — or getting rid of it altogether.
•Limit passive media time: This may look different depending on how you spend your time. There are apps that can limit excessive scrolling time. Or you could combine time spent watching your favorite show with using a stationary bike or set of small weights.
•Find other things to focus on: We’re all guilty of reaching for a phone or remote when bored, but when was the last time you read a book or went for a walk? While these activities may require more effort, set yourself up for success by having a good book handy or a fun destination already picked out.
Several large studies have shown that excess screen time can have hugely negative effects on cognition, especially in children. And while there’s no official diagnosis for digital dementia, research shows a strong link between technology overuse and dementia symptoms and risk.
Whether you’re looking for ways to reduce your own screen time or are interested in making changes as a family, even the smallest changes can have huge benefits for your health.
Adult brains, by contrast, are fully formed and so have already entrenched neural pathways, so they may be less impressionable. Additionally, a 2021 study of high school students showed TikTok...
Jan 18, 2022 · The hallmark of these conditions is that multiple people within a social group develop similar, medically inexplicable, and often bizarre symptoms. In some cases, those affected believe they have been exposed to something dangerous, such as a toxin or contagion, although thorough investigation finds none.
- hhp_info@health.harvard.edu
Jan 1, 2024 · Adult brains, by contrast, are fully formed and so have already entrenched neural pathways, so they may be less impressionable. Additionally, a 2021 study of high school students showed TikTok...
May 30, 2024 · The study shows that in adults aged 18 – 25, excessive screen time causes thinning of the cerebral cortex, the brain’s outermost layer responsible for processing memory and cognitive functions, such as decision-making and problem-solving.
Apr 6, 2023 · Although the primary reason for the ban is privacy concerns, it presents an opportunity to consider other potential risks. It is well known social media apps can negatively impact mental health...
