Digital Dementia is a real thing, and can literally 'fry' your brain: here's why you should be worried

Time of India

23-04-2025

There is no escaping technology in today's digital age. You name it and we have it - tabs, smart phones, laptops etc. These devices, though convenient, have made it difficult for us to ever be disconnected - both from people and the world around us. While there is no denying that there is a certain level of dependability on these devices, an excessive use of them can literally 'fry' your brain, known as
Digital Dementia
. Let's learn more about it, and figure out a way to escape from its trap...
What is Digital Dementia?
Digital dementia is a term first coined by German neuroscientist Manfred Spitzer in 2012. It refers to a decline in brain function caused by over dependence on digital devices. When we depend too much on technology to remember things or solve problems, our brain's natural ability to do these tasks weakens over time. This leads to difficulties with memory, attention, and decision-making.
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What are the symptoms of Digital Dementia?
The signs of digital dementia could be varied, but can include:
Trouble remembering events (even recent ones) and other information
Difficulty focusing or maintaining attention
Struggling to find the right words when speaking
Poor problem-solving skills
Displaying no empathy/social skills
Emotional difficulties
Why does it occur?
There are several reasons digital dementia develops:
No brain exercise:
We rely on phones and computers to store information like phone numbers or appointments. This means our brain practices remembering less, causing memory skills to weaken over time.
Constant distractions:
Notifications and multitasking on devices shorten our attention span and make it hard to focus on one task for long.
Less physical activity:
Spending too much time sitting and using screens lowers blood flow to the brain, which is important for
brain health
.
Less in person interaction: Digital communication can reduce real social contact, affecting emotional understanding and social skills.
The impact it has
Digital dementia doesn't just affect our memory; it in fact changes how we think, feel, and interact with others. Poor concentration and forgetfulness can even hamper our performance at work, while reduced empathy and social skills may lead to loneliness or misunderstandings. Over time, these changes can lower quality of life and mental well-being.
How to protect yourself from this condition
Limit screen time:
Try to reduce recreational screen use, especially for children, to less than two hours a day.
Stay physically active: Exercise improves blood flow to the brain and supports memory and thinking skills, all while you stay away from your phone for the hour/s you are exercising!
Reduce technology use (as much as you can):
Focus on one task at a time and avoid constant multitasking or checking notifications.
Engage your brain:
Read books, solve puzzles, learn new skills, or play musical instruments to keep your brain active.
Get quality sleep: Avoid screens at least an hour before bedtime to improve sleep, which is vital for brain health.