The term «digital decay» has become the word of the year, but is this really an accurate description of reality? Some studies suggest that constant screen use reduces our ability to concentrate and impairs our cognitive functions. However, a professor at Oxford University who studies human behavior and technology disagrees. He believes there is no technological effect that would be more dangerous than the beauties of life itself.
The impact of the online world on our brains has long been a subject of debate. Some argue that constant screen use changes brain structures, impairs memory, and reduces IQ. This is a serious concern, as anxiety and stress can also have a negative impact on cognitive functions. However, most scientists do not see a reason for panic. In recent years, numerous studies have examined the impact of digital technology, but many studies are of poor quality, based on small samples, and often draw exaggerated conclusions.
Some articles suggest that the harmful effects of screens are clear, but science does not support this. A 2023 study examined the brain connections of nearly 120 children in the United States and found no evidence that time spent in front of a screen negatively affects brain function. The study did not show a negative effect on the children’s overall condition either. While no one claims that technology is completely harmless, it does have certain benefits. For example, young people who have access to fast internet and digital devices often feel happier.
The media and public opinion tend to exaggerate the dangers of the digital world, but scientific evidence does not support this panic. Some studies suggest that the use of emails and social media can reduce IQ, but these claims often rely on unreliable sources. A 205 study, for example, suggested that emails reduce intelligence more than marijuana. However, it later turned out that this study did not even exist, it was just a myth started by a press release.
Our brain health changes over time, and it’s natural that we sometimes wander or consume lighter content. People have always been prone to distraction and have always sought entertainment in everyday life. In the old days, tabloids were popular, today they have been replaced by social media. The key is to use technology consciously: don’t let our devices control us, instead we should control them.
