Have you ever wondered how the use of digital technology affects your brain? You may be surprised to know that excessive use of smart devices can lead to a disorder that can affect cognitive abilities and memory, especially among young people. This is digital dementia. Young people can't imagine life without phones, tablets, social networks, and they don't even realize how much it affects their health!
Just as we train our bodies to feel as good as possible, our brains also need exercise. The biggest threat to memory is the very rapid development of technology and digitization, thus creating a new type of dementia - digital dementia!
Digital dementia refers to the loss of cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, concentration and ability to solve problems that can be caused by excessive use of digital technology such as computers, smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices.
This term was originally proposed in 2012 to describe the problems it can cause excessive use of technology in children, but is also used to describe problems in adults.
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Excessive use of digital technology can lead to a decrease in the ability to think analytically, socially interact, communicate live, and other cognitive behaviors.
Doctors warn that excessive use of electronic devices can lead to deterioration of cognitive abilities, problems in perceiving information and lack of critical thinking.
Computer. Computer. Computer. Photo: Glenn Carstens Peters/UnsplashAccording to neuroscientist and psychiatrist prof. According to Manfred Spitzer, underuse of the brain gradually destroys neural connections, which slows down the processes that take place in the brain. Although electronic devices make our lives easier, overuse can have a negative impact on our mental health.
Digital dementia and other harmful habits that slow down the brain
Improper diet
It has been proven that frequent consumption of fast food and food rich in saturated fat, sugar and salt causes certain cognitive disorders in humans and deterioration of short-term memory. This is because eating habits affect the functioning of the hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for memory.
Lack of sleep
Doctors constantly repeat that proper rest is the key to mental and physical health. During sleep, the work of the brain is restored, its ability to learn develops, negative memories are neutralized and the emotional state is stabilized. In addition, experts believe that sleep is very important for preserving memory, because in its lack, memory circuits are overloaded, and the brain's ability to perceive and assimilate information deteriorates.
Get up every hour and stretch. Sitting brings problems. Photo: Andrea Piacquadio / PexelsSedentary lifestyle
A sedentary lifestyle is another common factor that negatively affects memory. There is a link between insufficient physical activity and a decrease in a person's ability to learn. The fact is that staying in the same position for a long time reduces blood flow to the brain and limits the flow of oxygen and nutrients necessary for their normal functioning. Lack of physical activity impairs a person's short-term memory and can even cause Alzheimer's disease.
There is only one health. The computer doesn't. Photo: Andrea Piacquadio / PexelsThe consequences of digital dementia can also be:
- Problems with concentration and attention, which can affect productivity and learning.
- Impaired memory and ability to retain information, which can interfere with everyday activities such as reading, writing and math.
- Reduced ability to think and solve problems.
- Deterioration of social skills and communication.
- Increased risk of mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.
In addition, digital dementia can affect quality of life and cause social problems, as it can lead to reduced social interaction, loneliness and isolation.
