Excessive use of technology can lead to a decline in a person’s ability to think and reason properly, a condition known as digital dementia. Dementia, a broader term that encompasses a decline in cognitive abilities such as memory, reasoning, and language, can significantly impact a person’s quality of life due to chemical changes in the brain. In the digital age, the concept of digital dementia has emerged, describing cognitive changes resulting from technology overuse.
While digital dementia is not a medical condition, it implies that excessive use of technology can lead to symptoms resembling dementia. Psychiatrist, therapist, and counselor Dr. Harshil Shah explains that the disintegration of brain functioning due to technological abuse characterizes digital dementia. With the rise of computers and other technological innovations, individuals, especially the younger generation, are becoming less reliant on their brains.
A study published in the BMC Public Health Journal in 2023 found a link between excessive screen time and a higher risk of dementia, including vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, increased daily screen time was associated with physical changes in certain areas of the brain.
Symptoms of digital dementia may include issues with short-term memory, difficulty recalling words, and trouble multi-tasking. Excessive screen time can also lead to sleep disturbances and mood changes, further affecting brain function.
To prevent digital dementia, reducing screen time, engaging in physical exercise, reading books, socializing, using your brain more, taking breaks, and practicing mindfulness can be beneficial. These measures help counter the negative effects of excessive technology use and promote overall brain health and well-being.