Smartphone addiction creates stress on the brain, reducing concentration

 

File photo Addiction to smartphones negatively affects brain function

Neuroscientists have said that due to the constant use of smartphones and social media, the growth potential of the human brain is decreasing. Scientist Wendy Suzuki talks about cell phones slowing brain growth. Neuroscientists have seen long-term effects on the human brain due to smartphone addiction. Continuous notifications, like-comments and new things like seeing and hearing images and sounds create dopamine in the brain center.

Smartphone addiction is limiting human potential by affecting brain growth and brain flexibility. It also limits the possibility of happiness in life. In fact, people derive different types of pleasure from social interaction. Many people are finding happiness in the like-comments of social media.

Neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki talks about cell phone addiction in a podcast called 'The Diary of a CEO'. He said, 'The subject is not really the same. Smartphones keep our brain busy. Excessive use of phones is having an increasingly negative effect on the brain. Brain is overstimulated due to frequent use of smartphones. Dopamine is constantly released and the brain reacts to anxiety.'

Suzuki said in the podcast, 'Our neural pathways are changing with increasing reliance on smartphones. Brain growth potential is decreasing. All in all affecting our overall well-being. Various apps on smartphones and social media are made for addiction. The widespread use of smartphones can be compared to gambling. Social media is like pulling the handle of a coin flipping slot machine. Just scrolling the home page shows beautiful pictures. Notifications and comments come soon after. It releases dopamine.

The constant presence of such notifications, likes and new content releases dopamine in the reward center of the brain. Over time a user becomes familiar with these stimuli. As a result, behaviors such as frequent viewing of smartphones or social media apps are seen. Researchers believe that smartphone use affects people of all ages. There is deep concern about its impact on young people. Scientist Suzuki said, when children start using smartphones, they start spending more than seven hours a day on the phone due to social media. That's when their anxiety and depression increases.

Neuroscientist Suzuki said that due to the increased use of smartphones and social media, the level of depression and anxiety is increasing at a large rate. He said, 'Comparison and instant information such as likes and posts reach seem to increase stress among teenagers. An alarming addiction to smartphones is actually eroding our ability to maintain real human connection. There is no substitute for real human connection for brain health and emotional well-being.'

Suzuki also says that face-to-face social interactions can activate key areas of the brain. It is not activated in digital interaction. Many areas of the brain are activated, including the insula. The insula is the right side of the brain, deep in the cortex near the ear.

Smartphones can shut down neural pathways for empathy, emotional intelligence and deep relationships. Scientist Suzuki advises users to use digital devices healthily. He offers several tips to combat smartphone addiction and brain health. This scientist suggests a digital detox or break by taking a long break from the smartphone. He talks about changing the habitual behavior of mobile phone use, such as the habit of looking at the phone frequently. Detox or a bit of a break can create alternative ways to pass the time. Along with physical activity, it also improves normal mood along with reducing mental stress. He said exercise reduces anxiety and depression levels. A 10-minute walk can significantly reduce your anxiety and depression levels. Consciously relaxing the breath can calm the self. Consciously control yourself by taking three deep breaths. Mindful meditation increases the ability to be present in the present moment instead of looking for stimuli. And face-to-face interaction develops our human connection. Everyday efforts can be made to heal the brain.