With each passing day, technology continues to evolve, and our reliance on smartphones has grown exponentially. While these devices undeniably make our lives easier and aid in productivity, they may also be changing the structure and function of our brains. This alteration caused by consistent smartphone usage is potentially impacting our cognitive abilities and bodily functions.
The Science of Brain Alteration
The human brain is highly adaptable, and its functions can be influenced by seemingly mundane activities such as playing a musical instrument or learning a new language. This adaptability is due in part to a phenomenon known as neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. Neuroplasticity allows changes in certain areas or structures of the brain to accommodate the need for specific skills.
One such area is the somatosensory cortex, responsible for processing physical sensations such as touch, pressure, and pain. This region of the brain reacts to the movements of various parts of the body. The expansion or contraction of this region is a result of the brain adapting to the specific skill or activity we perform daily.
The Impact of Smartphone Use
The use of our smartphones, particularly touchscreen devices, seems to affect the somatosensory cortex just like any other habitual activity. This idea was investigated by a group of researchers at the University of Zurich and University of Fribourg, focusing on finger and thumb movements while using touchscreen smartphones.
In their study, they performed electroencephalograms (EEGs) on 37 right-handed individuals. While 26 of the participants used touchscreen smartphones, the remaining 11 used older models of mobile phones. The results showed a strong correlation between the intensity of smartphone use and the associated changes in the somatosensory cortex. In other words, the more one uses their smartphone, the more signals are generated in the brain — particularly in the region connected to the thumbs.
According to researcher Arko Ghosh, the changes observed in the brain are similar to those seen in violinists. However, two distinct differences between these changes in smartphone users and violinists were noted:
- Age and history of smartphone usage don’t seem to have any bearing on the cortical changes. Regardless of how long a person has used touchscreen smartphones, the subsequent changes in the brain are profound. In contrast, when it comes to playing the violin, activity in the somatosensory cortex is more prominent among those who have been playing since they were young.
- The effects of smartphone use on the brain are immediate and have long-lasting impact, whereas the cortical changes in violinists are not significantly affected by temporary breaks in daily practice.
The Consequences of Brain Structure Changes
These findings have significant implications for our understanding of how modern technology shapes the sensory processing in our brains. The ubiquity of smartphones in today’s society means that over time, this technology could be drastically altering brain structures and function on a global scale.
While the long-term effects are yet to be determined, there is evidence to suggest that these changes may not be entirely positive. For instance, excessive use of smartphones has been linked to issues such as text claw, a repetitive stress injury caused by smartphone and computer use, and cognitive decline due to reduced attention spans and multitasking.
On the other hand, smartphones have revolutionized communication by allowing people to stay connected across long distances. Mobile apps enable users to manage their health, learn new skills, and maintain their productivity. The key is to find a balance between technology use and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Concluding Thoughts
The ongoing changes in our brain structure caused by smartphone use are yet to fully reveal their long-term implications. As we continue to integrate technology into our lives, it is crucial to educate ourselves on its potential implications on our health.
It is recommended to be aware of how much time we spend on our devices and to take breaks from continuous usage. Remember, moderation in all things is key to maintaining good health, both physically and cognitively.
