Digital Dementia

Digital dementia refers to the deterioration of cognitive abilities due to the overuse of digital technology and it is seen all across demographics, ages and the globe in today’s world. Due to the increasing amount of parents who are willing to give their children free-range access to their devices, adolescents who are sacrificing studies in favour of scrolling and adults choosing websites for their work this problem is worsening in society today and people barely know what it is. It is characterized by memory problems, attention deficits, and diminished cognitive abilities resulting from excessive use of digital devices.

It is caused by using technology more like a crutch than a catalyst. When people begin to use websites like ChatGPT and CoPilot as a substitute towards thinking and applying themselves it makes them too dependent on the Internet and interferes with their train of thought and development of thinking ability. Sometimes digital dementia can also be a result of multitasking, the act of scrolling or watching television while completing homework or assignments, or by procrastinating by playing games and then having to complete too much too quickly. This results in both tasks being done badly and in a rush and also pushes us to use the Internet for our tasks at times.

Common symptoms of this are memory issues, and the inability to recall certain things without the use of digital aid, this severely affects students as they are unable to score well in exams without digital aid because of their increased reliance on it. Attention deficits and ADHD can also be common side effects, as a result of constantly watching short videos or becoming accustomed to quick and easy results from Google attention spans can become lower. Due to overreliance on digital communication, people may lack personal communication skills. Things like public speaking, speeches, and basic conversation become tiring, and people develop stutters or lose voice modulation because they use their voices less and less.

This negatively impacts people’s lives, academic performance, social interactions, and work efficiency are all reduced, but luckily it can be fixed. The first step to removing the crutch of technology is limiting screens and setting boundaries in which ways and work it can be used. Improving cognitive ability can be done through various mental exercises like memory games, reading, puzzles and mindful practices like meditation and physical activity. To get rid of digital dementia we must come back in touch with our body, and our surroundings by spending more quiet time with ourselves and our family and friends without any screens or technology.

Taking scheduled breaks and having technology-free zones along with nature exposure could be a boon to our exhausted brains today. Apart from distancing ourselves from technology, we must be aware of how to act when we use it again. Balanced use is a key lesson to have. It must not only be used for work or pleasure but some in-between ground of both. We as a society must recognise that the new age of AI and technology have productive as well as enjoyable use and we must be able to tap into the potential from both aspects without losing ourselves.

Following these regulations and recognising these symptoms can help us regain back our cognitive ability and focus from digital dementia and help us live better lives not being slaves to our devices.

-Aanya Mehta, Kyra Grewal and Keya Yadav