Explained: What is digital dementia & how to counteract the harmful effects?
PTC News Desk: Screens dominate our lives now, giving infinite information and entertainment through smartphones and laptops. However, this constant contact with digital devices has raised a new concern: digital dementia.
The term "digital dementia" refers to memory problems and cognitive deterioration caused by excessive use of digital devices such as smartphones and laptops. Given the significant increase in the use of technology in our daily lives, it is critical to understand any potential harm it may cause to our mental health. As a result, there is a need to raise awareness of the potential problems associated with over-reliance on gadgets, as well as an understanding of digital dementia.
According to a study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, excessive screen use, particularly among children and teenagers, is associated with shorter attention spans, worse emotional processing, and difficulties with memory retention. The brain, like all other organs, requires stimulation to function properly. When we rely too heavily on digital devices, we may not be using our brains in the manner required to maintain cognitive health.
A 2022 study looked into the relationship between total dementia risk and sedentary activities like watching television and using computers and found that regardless of physical activity levels, spending more time engaging in cognitively inactive activities like watching TV increased the risk of dementia. Passive cognitively active activities, such as using a computer, were connected to a lower incidence of dementia, however.
Another study found that people who used screens for more than four hours per day were more likely to acquire vascular dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia from any cause.
How to prevent digital dementia?
Reducing the number of notifications you get can help you spend less time in front of a screen or on your phone. If a notification isn't urgent, consider muting it or eliminating it entirely.
Depending on how you spend your time, this could look different. There are apps that can limit how much time you spend scrolling.
Regular physical activity is essential for brain health. Walking, cycling, and yoga are all good ways to improve blood circulation, reduce stress, and boost memory.
Quality sleep is necessary for brain function. To promote better sleep, limit screen time at least an hour before bedtime and make sure your sleeping environment is comfortable and free of digital devices.
Engage in brain-challenging hobbies like reading, puzzle solving, acquiring new skills, or playing an instrument. These exercises can assist in mitigating the cognitive decline caused by digital dementia.
- PTC NEWS
