Digital Overwhelm

Living in the 21st century is a blessing, I believe were living in the best time out of all of the eras mankind has existed. Readily available healthcare, simplicity and automation of processes. There is constant innovation to make our lives better quality and easier. One of these innovations are the devices we have today. Laptops, mobile phones, television, personal computers including others. Communication has been made so streamlined, some may even say the world has become a village. Whether we like it or not devices are everywhere and apart from the sea of advantages they bring us, they can also interfere with everything from sleep, concentration and brain activity. Ironically, even as they make us closer socially they affect our immediate relationships, Some of us can barely put them down, even when we’re with cherished family and friends.

What is Digital Overwhelm?

Digital overwhelm is the excessive exposure to digital devices and online content, this happens when you're consuming too much information from screens, endless notifications, social media feeds, emails, news alerts, messages across multiple platforms, and streaming content. This leads to overstimulation. Over-stimulation is when your sensory system or brain receives more input than it can comfortably process. This can happen through any of your senses. Too much noise, visual clutter, strong smells, or even intense emotions and social interactions happening simultaneously. When overstimulated, people often feel overwhelmed, anxious, irritable, or mentally exhausted. They might struggle to focus, feel physically tense, or need to withdraw to a quieter environment.

The modern digital environment is designed to capture and hold attention, which means our brains are constantly processing information, switching tasks, and responding to stimuli. This can deplete mental energy quickly and make it hard to engage deeply with any single thing.

Signs of over-consumption of digital media

• Feeling of mental fog and difficulty in concentration

• Difficulty in making decisions, even small ones

• Eye strain and Headaches

• Emotional exhaustion from constant connectivity

• Decreased ability to retain information

• Trouble sleeping

• Feeling of being anxious or always on.

• Being more irritable

• Having trouble relaxing

These are some of the tell signs as to how overstimulation from digital media can affect us in our everyday lives.

We use brain power and cognition to engage with digital devices and in turn it is the organ that is most affected by this. The constant multitasking, rapid information processing, and constant distractions can lead to decreased attention span, memory problems, and difficulty with cognitive functions. This can impact behavior by causing increased anxiety, stress, and dependence on digital devices for daily activities.

Prolonged exposure to screens can hinder brain development, potentially leading to long-term effects on cognitive abilities. Research suggests that excessive screen time during childhood may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in adulthood. This is because poor language acquisition, impaired executive functioning, and hindered brain development during childhood can contribute to cognitive decline later in life.

Impact of Excessive Screen-time on Neurological Performance

1. Decreased Attention span

While technology offers the potential to enhance cognitive skills through activities like video game playing, it also poses potential drawbacks. Excessive use of technology can lead to decreased attention spans and cognitive overload as stated earlier. Additionally, the constant use of digital devices can lead to decreased face-to-face interaction and increased social isolation.

2. Mental Health Hazard

Excessive screen time can have a detrimental effect on mental health, particularly among young people. Research has shown a correlation between increased screen time and increased levels of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.One study found that adolescents who spend more than five hours per day on digital devices are 70% more likely to have suicidal thoughts or actions than those who spend less than an hour a day. Additionally, excessive screen time can impact sleep, leading to sleep deprivation, which has been linked to depression and other mood disorders.

3. Impact on Memory Recall and Concentration

Chronic sensory overstimulation from excessive screen time can also result in memory and concentration problems. The constant bombardment of information and stimuli can overwhelm the brain, leading to difficulties in processing and retaining information. Moreover, the reliance on smartphones for information retrieval can contribute to forgetfulness, as individuals may rely on their devices to store and access information, rather than relying on their own memory.

Furthermore, the concept of hypertexts, which allow for non-linear reading and navigation through electronic texts, can impact memory recall. Studies have shown that reading and comprehending information from hypertexts can be more challenging than traditional linear reading, potentially leading to decreased memory retention of the material.

4. Brain Health and Cognitive Abilities

Digital technology has had a significant impact on brain health and cognitive abilities. Extensive technology use has been linked to decreased brain connectivity, attention problems, and lower cognitive performance.

Key factors to consider when examining the relationship between digital technology and brain health include the duration and quality of screen time, the types of activities engaged in, and the individual’s age and cognitive abilities. It is important to balance screen time with offline activities and to use digital technology in ways that promote cognitive stimulation and mental well-being. Overall, while digital technology can have potentially beneficial effects on brain health, it also offers opportunities to degrade cognitive abilities and brain health if not used mindfully.

Impact of Excessive Screentime on Social and Overall Wellbeing

Digital overload can affect you in other ways, too. When you use your devices excessively, you might miss out on activities that take place offline. Time on your device may cause you to spend less time with your friends or family, which isn’t good for your emotional and physical health. Your device might also be a distraction that keeps you from fulfilling your obligations at home or at work.

Excessive screen time can also impact overall well-being, particularly when it comes to social relationships and cognitive development. Screen time can limit opportunities for face-to-face interaction, which can lead to social isolation and loneliness. It can also interfere with cognitive development, particularly among young people. Excessive screen time can reduce attention span, decrease creativity, and limit problem-solving abilities. In extreme cases, excessive screen time can even lead to addiction, such as Internet gaming disorder, which is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to play video games.

Management of Digital Technologies to Mitigate Risks on Mental and Overall Wellbeing.

Its almost impossible and unrealistic to completely stay away from devices and screens. They have revolutionized the way we communicate, work, and entertain ourselves. Technological use has become more and more prevalent in our daily lives and it is essential for us to take proactive steps to protect our cognitive health.

There are several strategies that can help mitigate the potential negative impact of excessive screen time on our brains. We explore some preventative measures to safeguard our mental well-being in the digital age.

A. Setting Realistic Time Limits on Devices

Setting realistic limits on screen time for children and young adults is crucial for overall development. Excessive screen time has been linked to negative impacts on language acquisition, executive functioning, cognitive and brain development, technology addiction, and social isolation. Limiting screen time allows for more opportunities for face-to-face interaction, improved language skills, and increased physical activity, all of which are essential for healthy development.

B. Turn off unnecessary notifications

Notifications from social media sites are triggers for us to use our device even if we did not need to. Turning off our notifications, even for a stated period can help us focus on our task at hand and help reduce unnecessary distractions

C. Plan Social Media and News Activities

Instead of looking at your favorite social media and news sites throughout the day, check them once or twice a day at scheduled times.

D. Incooporate more physical activities in daily lives

Incorporating at least 30 minutes of physical activity into your daily routine is essential for overall physical health and mental well-being. Whether it’s taking a brisk walk, practicing yoga, or participating in a workout class, finding time to move your body will help reduce stress, increase energy levels, and keep you off your device. By engaging in regular physical activity, you can boost your mood and release endorphins, which are natural mood elevators.

https://www.neurocenternj.com/blog/digital-dementia-how-screens-and-digital-devices-impact-memory/

E. Create Tech free times in your schedule

Plan to stop using your device at a certain time each night. Using your device’s “do not disturb” function will keep your device-free time from getting interrupted. Have regular sit-downs, screen-free meals with your children or family.

F. Put down your device

Be present with others. Observe the world around you. Let your mind wander. Boredom is the space in which creativity and imagination happen

In Conclusion

Excessive screen time can have significant negative impacts on both physical health and mental health. The sedentary nature of screen time can lead to eye strain, neck and shoulder pain, and back pain, while excessive screen time can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. It is important to be aware of the negative impacts of excessive screen time on physical health, mental health, and overall well-being and in implementing measures to address these issues. This may include initiatives such as promoting physical activity and outdoor play, encouraging families to set limits on screen time or just putting down the device all together if its not needed.By taking action to alleviate the hazards of excessive screen time, we can reap the benefits of technology use while protecting our health and well-being.

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions about your health or diet.