We check our phone around 350 times a day. That’s a lot. Most of us feel guilty and want to shake the habit of being heavily dependent on our phones (hence the growth of our digital detox cabins), but we can’t physically see the effect our phones have our on our brains. But we can feel the ever mounting pressures, and strains on relationships as the effect mounts. So how does using technology change our brains?
The Effects of Phone Use on the Brain
There is a growing body of research that suggests that phone use can have a negative impact on the structure and function of our brains. Here’s some of the potential negative effects phone use has on our brains.
Reduced memory and learning
One study found that people who used their smartphones for more than two hours a day had less grey matter in the hippocampus, a region of the brain that is important for memory and learning. We also use our devices for a lot of our information storage - we no longer need to remember things because we write it on our devices, follow maps or take a picture - we consume and forget. And the less you use your brain to remember things, the worse it gets at it.
“Once you stop using your memory it will get worse, which makes you use your devices even more” Chris Bird, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience
Reduced attention span and focus
Studies have shown that people who use their phones more often have shorter attention spans. This is down to the volume of content we consume - and at speed. Our phones are also one of the biggest sources of distraction and multi-tasking. Multi-tasking isn’t good for our attention span and focus - it causes your brain to switch between tasks very quickly so you cannot fully focus on one thing at once.
Reduced happiness in relationships
‘Phubbing’ has become commonplace in relationships, with 17% of people being snubbed four times a day. Snubbing someone for your phone is not only classed as a little rude, one study found that it’s actually causing lower marital satisfaction. Phones can create an invisible wall between people that impact deep connection.
Increased anxiety and depression
Studies have shown that people who use their phones more often are more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression. This is likely due to the fact that our phones are constantly connected to the outside world, which can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, FOMO and comparison. Another study found that people who used their smartphones for more than four hours a day were more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Reduced empathy
Studies have shown that people who use their phones more often are less likely to display empathy for others. Phones create a barrier between us that makes it harder for people to read and show emotion. One study found that conversations with a mobile phone present were significantly less engaging than when there was no mobile phones.
How to Reduce the Negative Effects of Phone Use
If you are concerned about the potential negative effects of phone use on your brain, there are a few things you can do to reduce your screen time:
- Set limits on your phone use: Decide how much time you want to spend on your phone each day and stick to it.
- Put your phone away when you are not using it: This means putting it away at work, at the dinner table and especially in bed.
- Find other activities to do instead of using your phone: This could include reading, spending time with friends and family, or going for a walk.
Here’s our How-To Guide on How to Digitally Detox At Home
The research on the effects of phone use on the brain is still in its early stages. However, the evidence suggests that phone use can have a negative impact on our brains. If you are concerned about the potential negative effects of phone use, why not kickstart a better relationship with your phone by booking a digital detox.
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