Brain health consequences of digital technology use

• Published in: Dialogues in clinical neuroscience Vol. 22; no. 2; pp. 179 - 187
• Main Authors: Small, Gary W., Lee, Jooyeon, Kaufman, Aaron, Jalil, Jason, Siddarth, Prabha, Gaddipati, Himaja, Moody, Teena D., Bookheimer, Susan Y.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: France Taylor & Francis 30-06-2020; Les Laboratoires Servier
• Subjects: digital technology; emotional intelligence; internet; media; neural activation; online searching; Original
• ISSN: 1958-5969; 1294-8322; 1958-5969
• DOI: 10.31887/DCNS.2020.22.2/gsmall

Emerging scientific evidence indicates that frequent digital technology use has a
significant impact-both negative and positive-on brain function and behavior. Potential
harmful effects of extensive screen time and technology use include heightened
attention-deficit symptoms, impaired emotional and social intelligence, technology
addiction, social isolation, impaired brain development, and disrupted sleep. However,
various apps, videogames, and other online tools may benefit brain health. Functional
imaging scans show that internet-naive older adults who learn to search online show
significant increases in brain neural activity during simulated internet searches.
Certain computer programs and videogames may improve memory, multitasking skills, fluid
intelligence, and other cognitive abilities. Some apps and digital tools offer mental
health interventions providing self-management, monitoring, skills training, and other
interventions that may improve mood and behavior. Additional research on the positive
and negative brain health effects of technology is needed to elucidate mechanisms and
underlying causal relationships.