Is technology causing 'brain rot' or are we overreacting?
Soror Shaiza | Jan 31, 2025, 11:32 IST
( Image credit : TOIGLOBAL )
From “brain rot” to "screen-induced IQ decline,” the tech panic is real, but is it grounded in fact? We break down the research, separate the truth from the hysteria, and find out how digital technology actually affects our brains.
The Rise of "Brain Rot ": Are Screens Really to Blame?
In December of 2024, Oxford University had the word of the year as "brain rot", denoting the rising concern about screen time usage. Popular narratives suggest that social media and incessant digital distractions are shrinking human attentiveness and could even make them more mundane. But is the dread scientifically backed up? Or is it simply a bias, fueled by our incompleteness in coping with the digital age that leaves us in its wake?
Andrew Przybylski, professor at Oxford, has been working on an issue concerning the influence of technology on cognition for years, and he scoffs on the whole doom and gloom perspective. In his view, yes, technology has some risks, they are minuscule compared to the so-called age of cognitive apocalypse traditionalists have paved way for. "These alarmists," he avers, "base their fears on shoddy or exaggerated studies." He highlights the lack of methodological rigor studies blaming screen time for the decline in IQ, implying that technology can certainly be distracting but not brain damage inflicting.
What the Data Really Says About Technology and Your Brain
In 2023, Przybylski’s team analyzed data from nearly 12,000 children between the ages of 9 and 12. The result? No noticeable impact of screen time on brain connectivity or self-reported wellbeing. Contrary to the media hype, children with access to smartphones actually reported higher levels of happiness and satisfaction across a wide range of metrics.
The scientific consensus, according to experts like Shane O’Mara, is clear: The internet may change the way we think, but it’s not eroding our cognitive abilities. O’Mara highlights that cognitive changes due to technology, such as reduced attention span, are not new. Humans have always sought distractions, from 1950s tabloids to 21st-century social media. The real issue, however, is how we engage with these distractions.
IQ Panic: The Data Doesn’t Support a Decline
A common concern is the potential decline in IQ scores due to technology. Some studies claim small decreases in certain countries, but the evidence is still inconclusive. Franck Ramus, a cognitive scientist, notes that while some studies report slight declines in IQ, this could be due to a range of factors, not just screen time. What’s more, the global trend has seen IQ scores rise throughout the 20th century, and any recent stagnation is to be expected as we near the limits of human brain potential.
Ramus also points out that equating “screen time” with cognitive harm is oversimplified. After all, not all screen time is created equal. The content matters. Just as a book can be both enriching and trivial, so can a smartphone.
A Balanced Approach: Tech’s Benefits Are Real
It’s not all doom and gloom for tech’s role in mental fitness. Certain apps and games may enhance skills like memory, multitasking, and fluid intelligence. Digital tools can even support mental health, offering interventions that improve mood and behavior.
Gary Small, a psychiatry expert, emphasizes the importance of balance. His research shows that temporary breaks from screen time, such as attending a nature camp, can boost emotional intelligence and social skills. However, when used mindfully, technology can also improve efficiency and stimulate brain activity. As Przybylski puts it, “You just have to manage your devices, not let them manage you.”
Technology won’t make us “stupid,” but like any tool, it’s about how we use it. With the right approach, screens can enrich rather than erode our cognitive abilities.
In the end, whether it's managing screen time or simply going for a walk to clear your mind, being intentional about how we interact with technology can keep our brains sharp.