In recent years, the phrase «brain atrophy» has become popular when discussing the effects of digital technology on people. Many are concerned that excessive screen use weakens our ability to concentrate, affects memory, and could even lead to a decrease in intelligence quotient. However, scientific studies do not confirm these fears.
For instance, a comprehensive study in 2023, conducted on 12.0 children, found no evidence that time spent in front of screens negatively affects the functional connections of the brain. Scientists did not observe changes in the way different parts of the brain communicate or in the mental health of children due to technology. Nevertheless, many continue to believe that electronic devices have a negative impact on the psyche. Many articles are based on hypotheses and not on real evidence.
For example, one of the most famous theories, that email use decreases IQ more than marijuana consumption, turned out to be false — it was, in fact, just a marketing strategy. Other studies associating the increasing popularity of smartphones with deteriorating mental health are also misleading. The fact that two phenomena occur at the same time does not mean that one causes the other.
Moreover, technology also has benefits. People who have quick access to the internet often feel happier and more socially connected. Children who use technology to learn achieve better results and are better prepared for the modern world. Scientists emphasize that the main problem is not the time spent in front of screens, but how it is used. If someone scrolls aimlessly on social networks, this can indeed have a negative impact on concentration. But if the internet is used for education or communication, there is no evidence to support harmful effects.
Therefore, the idea that technology «destroys our brain» is not supported by science, but rather by fear and panic. What matters most is that we use devices wisely: we should control them, not the other way around.
