You do it without even thinking about it, sometimes for hours. However, this daily reflex on your phone could well have unsuspected consequences on your brain, your concentration… and your mental health.
Passive scrolling: a toxic habit that tires the brain
Scrolling for hours on TikTok, Instagram or X has become a reflex for many of us. In transport, when waking up or just before sleeping, our phone never really leaves us. But this innocuous gesture could have much more serious consequences than we imagine on our brain. Several experts are now warning about the effects of hyperconnection, particularly among the youngest, but also on the mental clarity of adults over 50.
Indeed, according to several studies, this continuous overconsumption of information puts too much strain on your brain, and considerably reduces your ability to concentrate. In the long term, this passive habit could even modify certain brain functions related to emotions and decision-making.
According to psychiatrist Brent Nelson, interviewed by CBShyperconnection causes a real “overload” in the brain. Result ? On a daily basis, we may have more difficulty concentrating… but also suffer from greater impulsivity. An analysis shared by Courtney Stewart, associate researcher at the Indiana Prevention Resource Center, in the United States: “Too much information can overwhelm our senses and exhaust us“, she explains.
When active use becomes a shield against decline after 50 years
Moreover, the argument has long been unanimous: too much screen would damage the memory, the smartphone would end up “frying” the brain. So should you turn off your cell phone urgently? The reality is not as clear-cut as that.
A large meta-analysis published in the journal Natural Human Behavior shakes up this disaster scenario, for a very specific age group. By bringing together data from more than 400,000 adults over 50, it suggests that regular use of the phone, computer or tablet would be associated with a brain that ages better.
Researchers Jared Benge and Michael Scullin of Baylor University sifted through 136 works, including 57 studies that were sufficiently comparable for detailed statistical analysis. They included 411,430 adults with an average age of 68.7 years.
Among these participants over 50, the use of digital technologies is linked to a lower risk of cognitive disorders. Phone, computer or tablet users have a 58% lower risk of cognitive impairment and a 26% lower risk of cognitive decline compared to those who use them little or not.
The authors took into account the level of education, general health and even socioeconomic situation, and the link between smartphone and cognitive decline remained favorable for regular users. No data points to a harmful effect in these older adults, contrary to the “digital dementia” hypothesis.
The technological challenge: beneficial brain gymnastics
To explain these results, several neurologists highlight the role of lifelong learning. The use of technologies indeed represents a cognitive challenge due to their constant evolution.
“One of the first things middle-aged and older adults said was, ‘I’m so frustrated with this computer. It’s hard to learn.” This actually reflects cognitive challenge, which can be beneficial to the brain even if it’s not pleasant in the moment“, declared Michael Scullin, doctor of psychology, whose comments are reported by True Medical.
And according to him, technology requires constant adaptation, especially to understand new software updates, solve problems with lost Internet connection or filter advertisements on websites… all tasks that make your brain work intensely.
Towards a chosen and intelligent disconnection
The scientists in the study prove a crucial point: not all uses are equal. The protective effect observed after the age of 50 mainly concerns active and stimulating use, made up of messages, video calls, organizing one’s diary or learning.
Michael Scullin warns that passive use (like watching videos without interaction and scrolling compulsively) is not very cognitively stimulating and can lead to that famous mental fog.
But he remains optimistic: “If you have a parent or grandparent who stays away from technology, perhaps you should rethink your approach. Could he learn to use photo, messaging or calendar apps on a smartphone or tablet? Start with simple applications and be very patient while learning it” he said.
Even regarding endless scrolling on TikTok, he argues that creating videos through creative cognition or interacting with online communities can provide benefits by fostering social connections. “We could spend a lot of time talking about all the harmful aspects of technology use. However, since the 1990s, the overall effect on the cognitive abilities of older adults has been positive.”concludes the expert.
Finally, a few simple habits can help you regain control on a daily basis:
- Turn off your cell phone completely at the cinema or during a meal with loved ones;
- Avoid keeping it within reach during meetings;
- Leave it at home during a walk;
- Prioritize activities and games with family or friends.
And instead of scrolling on your phone at bedtime, it would be better to read a good book, according to sleep doctor Dr. Jonathan Taieb. “Reading a book at the end of the day can calm mental activity and create a buffer zone between the outside world and the night.” he explains. And for good reason: while the blue light from our smartphones overstimulates us, reading calms our brain and prepares us to fall into the arms of Morpheus.