Understanding the Impact of Electronic Gadgets on the Brain

Dr Arjun Srivatsa

Welcome to the 21st century, where skipping a meal is easier than putting down electronic gadgets that have become an integral part of our lives in today’s digital age.

In Q3 2023, 96 per cent of people aged 16 to 64 owned mobile phones, mostly smartphones. By 2022, 27 per cent of parents reported their 9–13-year-olds had all-day access to desktops and smartphones, while 18 per cent had access to desktops, tablets, and smartphones. A study found 66 per cent of students use gadgets for entertainment and 18 per cent for studying. Excessive use, over 4 hours daily, can lead to hearing and vision problems, while over 6 hours can cause sleep, neck, and shoulder issues. Users born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s spend nearly 16 hours a day on gadgets. Additionally, 33 per cent of people own two gadgets, 25 per cent have one, 22 per cent have three, and 20 per cent have four. This widespread use raises concerns about its impact on brain health, affecting sleep patterns and creative thinking.

Brain Structure and Function
Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt, can be influenced by electronic gadgets. Regular use of devices, like gaming or social media, may prioritize quick information processing over deep thinking. This frequent stimulation activates the brain’s reward system, potentially leading to addictive behaviors as users seek continuous digital rewards.
Natural light is crucial for regulating our body’s internal clock, which helps keep our functions and behaviors in sync. However, increased exposure to artificial light, particularly blue light from LEDs, has been linked to sleep and circadian rhythm problems. LEDs, which emit significant blue light at around 460 nm, can affect both eye health and brain function.

The Science Behind Gadgets and the Brain
The developing brain constantly forms and adjusts neural connections, and digital media use impacts this process. On-screen content often offers less rich stimulation compared to real-life experiences. So, good sleep is essential for brain development. Studies show that using devices emitting blue light, like smartphones, before bed can disrupt sleep by lowering melatonin levels. As a result, many teens who stay up late texting not only get insufficient sleep but also miss out on the deep Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. The REM is a stage of sleep characterized by quick, random movements of the eyes, increased brain activity, and vivid dreams that are necessary for memory consolidation and cognitive processing.

Negative Impacts of Electronic Gadgets
Frequent gadget use and multitasking can reduce attention span and memory. Screens before bedtime disrupt sleep and harm brain health. Excessive use is linked to increased anxiety, depression, and stress, along with vision problems, poor posture, and other health issues. The impact varies: children may face developmental and academic challenges; adults may experience reduced productivity and mental health issues; and the elderly may see cognitive decline, though gadgets may offer some benefits.

Positive Impacts of Electronic Gadgets
Electronic gadgets don’t solely damage our brains; the impact depends on how we use them, affecting our overall well-being, including mental, physical, and health aspects. Our fascination with the digital world often leads to extended use of these devices. Nonetheless, electronic gadgets also offer benefits. They can boost cognitive skills like memory, problem-solving, and multitasking. Educational apps and games provide valuable learning experiences, and social media and communication tools help us maintain connections with others.

Mitigating Digital Media Distraction
Regular breaks from electronic devices, or digital detox, improve emotional well-being by promoting face-to-face interactions, which are vital for nurturing strong relationships and support systems.

1. Beware of Distraction: Many kids and parents feel distracted when interacting with each other due to digital media.
2. Screen-Free Meals: Have regular family meals without screens to encourage meaningful conversations.
3. Be Present: Put down your device, engage with those around you, and observe your surroundings.
4. Play Together: Join your children in online games to understand their interests and guide them in reflecting on their screen time.
5. Plan Screen Time and Avoid Blue Light: Help your children balance screen time with other activities and limit blue light exposure before bedtime.

Remember, the goal isn’t to eliminate electronic devices but to manage how and to what extent we use them.

Dr Arjun Srivatsa is Director & HOD at the Institute of
Neurosciences, Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru