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DIGITAL MINDS: THE LINK BETWEEN TECH EXPOSURE AND COGNITIVE ILLNESS IN MODERN SOCIETY

Updated: Feb 3


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APA full citation: Filho, C. I. (2024, November 20). Digital Minds: The Link Between Tech Exposure and Cognitive Illness in Modern Society. EBS I&D Centre. https://www.ebscentre.org/society/





Abstract

The exponential rise in digital technology usage has reshaped human behavior and cognitive processes. While technological advancements bring undeniable benefits, their impact on mental health raises significant concerns. This article explores the correlation between prolonged tech exposure and the emergence of cognitive illnesses, drawing on established theories in psychology and neuroscience. Cognitive overload, impaired executive function, and dependency behaviors are analyzed within frameworks such as the Cognitive Load Theory and the Dopamine Reward System. Evidence from studies on screen time, digital multitasking, and social media use demonstrates how overexposure disrupts cognitive and emotional regulation, potentially leading to conditions such as anxiety, depression, and digital addiction. The article concludes by advocating for balanced tech integration and strategies to mitigate cognitive risks.


Keywords: cognitive illness, technology exposure, mental health, digital addiction, screen time, cognitive load



Introduction

In an era where technology permeates every facet of life, its influence on human behavior and mental well-being has sparked widespread debate. While digital tools enhance productivity, communication, and entertainment, their overuse introduces risks to cognitive health. The potential for technology to alter neural pathways, cognitive processes, and emotional states is a growing concern, particularly in the fields of psychology and neuroscience.


Cognitive Load Theory and Technology

Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) suggests that the human brain has a limited capacity to process information simultaneously (Sweller, 1988). Digital technologies, particularly smartphones and multitasking platforms, frequently exceed these limits. Continuous engagement with notifications, emails, and social media increases intrinsic and extraneous cognitive loads, leaving little room for effective learning or problem-solving. Over time, this excessive load can lead to chronic stress, reduced working memory, and impaired executive function.


Dopamine Reward System and Digital Dependency

The Dopamine Reward System is pivotal in explaining the addictive tendencies linked to technology use (Montague et al., 2004). Social media, for instance, exploits this system by offering intermittent rewards such as likes and comments. These digital rewards trigger dopamine surges, reinforcing compulsive behaviors and creating dependency. Excessive activation of this system has been associated with attention disorders and mood dysregulation, key symptoms of cognitive illnesses such as anxiety and depression.


Empirical Evidence on Screen Time and Mental Health

Studies show that prolonged screen time is directly linked to mental health challenges. Twenge et al. (2018) found that adolescents spending more than five hours daily on screens had a significantly higher risk of depression and suicidal ideation compared to their peers with limited screen exposure. Similarly, multitasking between devices correlates with lower gray matter density in the anterior cingulate cortex, a region critical for decision-making and emotional regulation (Loh & Kanai, 2014).


Mitigating Cognitive Risks

To reduce the risks associated with tech overexposure, balanced usage is crucial. Strategies include:

  1. Mindful Technology Practices: Encouraging deliberate, purposeful tech use over compulsive scrolling.

  2. Screen Time Regulation: Setting daily limits for screen engagement and implementing tech-free zones.

  3. Digital Literacy Education: Promoting awareness about healthy tech behaviors, particularly among younger populations.


Conclusion

The relationship between technology and cognitive health is complex, influenced by behavioral patterns and neurological mechanisms. While technology is an invaluable tool, its potential to induce cognitive illness must not be overlooked. By understanding the psychological underpinnings and implementing practical interventions, society can embrace digital innovation without compromising mental well-being.

Carlos I. Filho


References

Loh, K. K., & Kanai, R. (2014). How has the Internet reshaped human cognition? The Neuroscientist, 22(5), 506-520.

Montague, P. R., Hyman, S. E., & Cohen, J. D. (2004). Computational roles for dopamine in behavioral control. Nature, 431(7010), 760-767.

Sweller, J. (1988). Cognitive load during problem-solving: Effects on learning. Cognitive Science, 12(2), 257-285.

Twenge, J. M., Martin, G. N., & Campbell, W. K. (2018). Decreases in psychological well-being among American adolescents after 2012 and links to screen time during the rise of smartphone technology. Emotion, 18(6), 765-780.

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