Screens, monitors, and displays have become an integral part of our daily lives. They are indispensable for work, learning, and leisure. Through screens, we enrich our lives in countless ways. However, prolonged exposure to them negatively impacts our cognitive abilities.
This was stated by a team of researchers from Macquarie University and the Australian Catholic University. In a meta-analysis of dozens of previous studies, the scientists found a clear link between extended screen use and cognitive function impairment.
Young People Are Spending More Time in Front of Screens
A recent survey of Australian teachers revealed that excessive screen time is the second most significant issue facing young people, following mental health concerns.
The surge in screen usage has led to a persistent dependency among children, teenagers, and adults. Researchers note the impact of screens on cognitive abilities such as attention, memory, language, and problem-solving skills.
This has sparked considerable debate. On one hand, indiscriminate screen use can have detrimental health effects. On the other hand, schools are increasingly integrating screen-related technologies, as reported by Science Alert.
What the Research Revealed
The scientists conducted a meta-analysis of 34 studies examining various forms of screen use, including gaming, social media, online news consumption, and smartphone usage. They compared the cognitive abilities of two groups of participants: those who excessively used screen devices and those who did not. The researchers painted a concerning picture.
During these thorough investigations, participants in the first group exhibited significantly lower cognitive abilities compared to the second group. The most affected cognitive areas were attention, particularly sustained attention (the ability to maintain focus on an unchanging stimulus over an extended period).
Screen enthusiasts also showed a decline in impulse control, which refers to the ability to manage automatic reactions.
Interestingly, the type of screens did not influence these results. It is also noteworthy that this trend was observed across all age groups.
So, Why Is Sitting in Front of Screens So Dangerous for the Mind?
Indiscriminate screen use leads to diminished attention. Distractions from the screen weaken a person’s ability to concentrate. Attention impairment also complicates the recognition of when screen use becomes a genuine problem, noted Michoel Moshel, a neuropsychologist at Macquarie University and the lead author of the study.
Meanwhile, attention is a crucial form of mental activity necessary for completing everyday tasks. Those with weakened attention find it challenging to keep up with others, whether at work or in the classroom.
Individuals with already impaired cognitive functions are more likely to continue using screens indiscriminately.