News India Live, Digital Desk: Nowadays, we all remain glued to our phones, laptops and TVs for so long that there is hardly a moment when we stay away from them. Be it office, home, or even while travelling, our eyes often remain fixed on the screen. But, have you ever thought how badly our excessive dependence on technology is affecting our brain? In the world of psychology, discussion about a new threat has intensified, which is being called ‘digital dementia’. This is a condition where our memory and ability to concentrate starts to weaken, just like it happens in dementia patients, but the reason for this is not age, but excessive use of digital screens.
After all, what is ‘digital dementia’?
‘Digital dementia’ is not a disease in which you forget everything completely, rather it causes a ‘fogginess’ of the brain. Constantly looking at the screen and trying to do many things at once (multitasking) starts overloading our brain. We are constantly surrounded by a flood of information and the mind does not get a chance to think deeply or stay on something for long. The result is that our memory becomes weak, we struggle to remember things and our attention starts getting distracted easily, that is, the mind is always surrounded in a kind of ‘fog’.
By what symptoms can you recognize it?
If you also experience some of the following symptoms, you may be in the early stages of ‘digital dementia’:
- Alzheimer’s: Small things, like not being able to remember where you left your keys, someone’s phone number, or the last meeting.
- Inability to concentrate: Find it difficult to concentrate on any one task for a long time, mind wanders again and again.
- Difficulty in taking decisions: Feeling difficulty in taking decisions even in normal situations.
- Slow speed of thinking: The brain may not process things quickly, such as taking longer than usual to understand or respond to something.
- Feeling of dissatisfaction: Feeling empty even after continuously viewing social media.
How is this effect being caused by digital devices?
When we continuously work on a phone, computer or tablet, our brain pays more attention to superficial information and does not analyze it in depth. For example, we no longer need to remember someone’s phone number because it is in the phone. Instead of remembering an address, we use Google Maps. These things may make our lives easier, but they weaken our brain’s ability to deeply process and remember information.
How to avoid ‘digital dementia’?
This is not an incurable disease. By making slight changes in your habits, you can make your brain sharp and healthy again:
- Reduce screen time: Reduce your screen time every day. Especially stay away from phones and other digital devices one or two hours before sleeping.
- Do a ‘digital detox’: Practice ‘digital detox’ for a few hours once a week or a month. That is, you will not use any digital device during this period.
- Give real exercise to your brain: Read a book, play board games, solve puzzles, paint or learn a new skill. Such activities re-enforce your mind’s habit of thinking and remembering.
- Connect with nature: Go out for a walk, get some fresh air. Being close to nature reduces stress and gives peace to the mind.
- Get enough sleep: Complete and deep sleep helps our brain to recharge.
Remember, it is important to use technology wisely. She is our slave, we do not want to become her slave. Take care of your brain health and avoid the risk of ‘digital dementia’!
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