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Are You Experiencing Digital Dementia? What You Need to Know

Photo from Daria Nepriakhina via Unsplash

Are You Experiencing Digital Dementia? What You Need to Know

By Movieguide® Contributor

Many are aware of the social and emotional problems that come with excessive screen time, but did you know screen time can cause “digital dementia” and harm your physical health as well?

A study out of India reveals just that. According to Dr. Pawan Ojha, Director of Neurology at Fortis Hiranandani Hospital in Vashi, “Higher amounts of screen time each day have also been connected to anatomical alterations in specific brain regions. The symptoms of digital dementia are comparable to those of dementia, including short-term memory loss, trouble remembering words and difficulty in multitasking.”

“Digital dementia” is a term used to describe “memory issues and cognitive deterioration brought on by over dependence on digital devices like smartphones, computers, etc.”

Dr. Ojha continued, “Reductions in memory, attention span and learning capacity might result from persistent multitasking and fast information processing. This may have an effect on behaviour by elevating tension and anxiety. This is because excessive screen time can supplant other crucial activities that support cognitive and social development.”

“Additionally, the blue light that screens emit can disrupt sleep cycles, which can have an impact on memory consolidation and cognitive function. Constantly switching between things when using a device might make it harder to concentrate and focus,” he added.

Dr. Ojha isn’t the first to share concerns over screen time use. The NIH reported known physical health issues caused by digital media:

Physical health effects: excessive screen time is associated with poor sleep and risk factors for cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, obesity, low HDL cholesterol, poor stress regulation (high sympathetic arousal and cortisol dysregulation), and Insulin Resistance. Other physical health consequences include impaired vision and reduced bone density.

In light of the negative effects of screen time, users can put practices in place to reduce screen time, practice moderation and begin to cure their digital dementia.

“…instead of reaching for your phone right away take time to think and use your own memory to recall information,” Omega Computer Services advised. “If we want to prevent digital dementia then we need to shift away from our natural reflex being to use our phone to look up information and make the switch back to using our brains.”

Movieguide® previously reported:

Because of these negative effects, 80% of smartphone users have set personal boundaries to limit technology usage.

“These measures range from taking regular breaks from devices or screens to actually restricting app or web usage,” Statista added. 

Other practices include putting devices away when around family and friends, turning off notifications, setting phones on do not disturb, setting up screen time limits and tracking time spent on various apps.