Digital Dementia- The Scary Side of Scrolling
- Prakriti Balu
- May 6
- 2 min read
You take a small little break. Only for a little bit.... right?? Then you open your phone to check the time. It's been two hours, and you're still scrolling. You realize your homework is not done, your mind is foggy, and you feel like you've just been trapped in an endless cycle of swiping. Sound familiar? For many teens, this has become the new normal. But beyond lost time and distraction, excessive screen use may have far scarier consequences.
Welcome to digital dementia, a growing concern where overuse of digital devices is causing symptoms similar to those seen in early-onset dementia, especially among adolescents.
What is Digital Dementia?
Digtad deminata was a word originally made by German neuroscientist Dr. Manfred Spitzer, and it refers to cognitive decline resulting from overuse of technology. The human brain is like a muscle, and when we rely too heavily on our devices for every little thing, we stop exercising memory, focus, and critical thinking. This results in poor concentration, short attention spans, memory loss, and even decreased mental well-being. However, even more compelling is the fact that common symptoms like MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment) are seen before adults get treated with Alzheimer's dementia and other cognitive diseases, but similar effects are already being shown in teenagers who are digitally addicted!
Why Are Teens Especially at Risk?
According to the American Psychological Association, teens spend an average of over 7 hours a day on screens, not counting schoolwork. This constant stimulation from scrolling redesigns how our brains process and retain information, and we've been born with these digital devices, making them more ingrained in us than anyone else. Also, because our brains are still growing, they are particularly vulnerable to such changes like digital addiction, getting hit harder than people of older ages.
More screen time often means less sleep, less exercise, and less time for real social interaction, all vital for brain health. Studies suggest that due to digital addiction, the 2060 Alzheimer's/dementia diagnosis estimates will be 4 to 6 times as today, warning that the healthcare system is not prepared to handle such an intense upwards trajectory.
So What Can We Do?
It's not that you have to completely get rid of your phone use. Phones have benefits too, like social connection, access to resources, as do other types of digital devices. These devices shape us as a world today. Instead, we should use digital devices wisely. Here are a few teen-tested ways to fight back against digital dementia:
Try a digital detox: Set screen-free hours every day to let your brain recharge.
Be intentional: Use tech for learning and connection, not just endless entertainment.
Practice mindfulness: Meditation and journaling can improve memory and reduce digital overload.
Protect your sleep: Avoid screens an hour before bed to improve brain function.
Final Thoughts
Being a responsible digital citizen means understanding how our tools affect us mentally, emotionally, and physically. The next time you find yourself in an endless scroll, remember: scrolling doesn’t just waste your time, it may be wasting your memory too. Remember that if you keep scrolling, you might be getting closer to a world which you don't remember with every single scroll.
Sources-
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/research/the-common-sense-census-media-use-by-tweens-and-teens-2019
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