In a world where digital screens are an ever-present part of our daily routine, from smartphones to laptops , the allure of constant connectivity is hard to resist. Yet, lurking behind these glowing screens is a new and alarming condition—‘Digital Dementia.’ An umbrella term originally associated with cognitive decline in the elderly, dementia is now a term being increasingly linked to younger people, as the overuse of digital devices starts to chip away at mental health.
But what exactly is digital dementia, and how is it affecting our brains? Let’s take a closer look Understanding digital dementia Digital dementia, a term introduced by German neuroscientist and psychiatrist Manfred Spitzer in 2012, refers to cognitive changes that arise from excessive technology use. While digital dementia isn’t officially recognised as a diagnosable condition, the notion that overusing technology can harm cognitive functions has considerable scientific support. Several studies have identified a connection between internet use, screen time and cognitive alterations.
One study from 2022, published on PubMed , examined how sedentary activities, such as using the computer and watching TV, influence overall dementia risk. The findings indicated that spending more time on cognitively passive activities—such as watching TV—was linked to a higher risk of dementia, regardless of one’s physical activity levels. On the other hand, engaging in cognitively active passive tasks—like us.