Our modern lifestyle is dominated by technology, with smartphones, social media, and other digital devices occupying a significant portion of our daily lives. While technology has brought numerous benefits, such as increased connectivity and access to information, it is also having a profound impact on our brain health. Excessive use of technology is often overlooked as a contributor to cognitive decline and brain aging. In addition to the impact on cognitive function, technology is also reducing human social interaction, leading to problems that society has not dealt with before. The present generation is being led how to think and given direction in a very rapid pace through the convenience of technological advancements. The speed of information is forcing our brains to think differently, yet not as well. The emphasis is on getting to (often debatable) conclusions quickly while there is a minimal amount of importance on research and resourcefulness. However, the largest impact on our cognition is in how we communicate with one another. People communicate with other people differently than how we communicate through technology. This simple fact will no doubt be seen in generations to come and reshape history.
The rise of social media and digital communication has made it easier than ever to connect with people around the world. However, this increased connectivity comes at a cost. The technology has provided an ease of flexibility, but at the same time producing a cold, impersonal and superficial world that is on the verge of encouraging a mental health epidemic. A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that social media use was associated with higher rates of depression and anxiety. Another study published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior found that higher social media use was associated with poorer sleep quality, which has been linked to cognitive decline. Furthermore, the constant bombardment of information and notifications from digital devices can lead to chronic stress, which is also a known contributor to cognitive decline.
The fast-paced lifestyle that technology promotes is also contributing to reduced social interaction. People are often too busy to take time for face-to-face interactions, leading to a decline in social skills and a reduced sense of community. The lack of social support can have a negative impact on mental health and well-being, further exacerbating the negative effects of technology on brain health.
In addition to the impact of technology, lack of physical activity and poor diet are also contributing to cognitive decline and brain aging. A study published in the journal NeuroImage found that older adults who engaged in regular physical activity had larger hippocampal volumes and better spatial memory performance than those who were sedentary. Furthermore, a Western-style diet high in saturated and trans fats, refined carbohydrates, and added sugars has been linked to a higher risk of developing dementia. In contrast, a Mediterranean-style diet rich in whole foods has been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of dementia.
A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that a combination of physical exercise, a healthy diet, cognitive training, and social engagement can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. In another study, this time published in the journal PLOS ONE, found that engaging in mentally stimulating activities, such as reading and playing games, can help improve cognitive function in older adults.
It appears there is much emphasis placed on staying mentally and physically active as we age to reduce the chances of age-related cognitive decline. But it makes a difference in what activities we engage in. Whereas doing word games, puzzles and mentally challenging yourself through the use of technology has benefits. Playing video games and endless playing on your phone in more mindless ways are actually detrimental and harmful to our cognitive functioning. This should be more of a concern for our younger generation. It wouldn’t surprise me to see a higher risk group for cognitive decline becoming more prevalent in our younger generation in the near future.
The impact of technology on our brain health cannot be ignored. Excessive use of technology is leading to reduced social interaction, chronic stress, and cognitive decline. In addition to limiting our use of technology, we need to engage in regular physical activity, adopt a healthy diet, and prioritize daily face-to-face social interaction as important basic steps in promoting brain health.
By taking a holistic approach to brain health and incorporating these practices into our daily routine, we can help combat the aging of our brain and improve our cognitive health in our modern world.
-A Balanced Brain is a Better Brain for a Happier Life-