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The use of phones in daily life has increased rapidly in the last decade. One of the bad effects of this on our mental health is the rapid increase in ‘digital dementia’. It describes the negative changes in the brain due to excessive screen time i.e. smartphone use.
This includes reduced memory, concentration, and learning abilities due to constantly scrolling, reading, watching multiple content on the phone, and trying to understand and process all of this information.
Digital dementia is a term coined by German neuroscientist and psychiatrist Manfred Spitzer in 2012. There is currently no official diagnosis or treatment for digital dementia.
4 hours of screen time can cause vascular dementia
According to a 2023 study conducted in the UK, more than 4 hours of screen time a day can increase the risk of vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s. Vascular dementia is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. This damages brain cells and eventually destroys them.
Consider limiting your phone use
- Minimize notifications: One way to avoid constant phone use is to reduce the number of notifications. If a notification is not important, consider turning it off completely.
- Find other things to focus on: The phone is the easiest device to use to pass the time. Instead try reading a book, exercising, going for a walk, etc.
- Set time limits for phone use: The point of reducing screen time is not to get rid of your phone. Consider setting aside some time each day to scroll, watch videos, or play games.
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