Smartphones: A Digital Hand Shaping Brains
Mobile Device Usage Persistently Reshapes Brain Structure and Boosts Thumb Sensitivity Over Time
Embracing the digital age, smartphones have redrawn our interactions with the world. They are no longer mere communication devices; they've morphed into extensions of our very selves. Scrolling endlessly during commutes, tapping mindlessly before bedtime, and checking notifications while watching TV have become the norm. But how does this constant engagement affect our grey matter?
Our fingers, especially our thumbs, are in a state of perpetual motion, navigating touchscreens in ways humans never have before. Does this mean our brains are undergoing physical transformations as well?
Studies reveal that repeated smartphone use significantly alters brain activity, particularly in regions responsible for processing sensory information from our fingers [1]. Researchers from the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich tracked 37 participants over ten days, observing 27 touchscreen smartphone users and 10 with older, button-based phones. Using electroencephalography (EEG) recordings, they monitored brain responses when participants engaged in tasks involving their thumbs, forefingers, and middle fingers [1].
Surprising findings showed a striking increase in brain activity among regular smartphone users when fingertips made contact with a surface. This response intensified proportionally with the frequency of phone usage [1]. Lead researcher Arko Ghosh explained, "The digital history we carry in our pockets has an enormous amount of information on how we use our fingertips—and more" [2].
The most intriguing revelation? The tip of the thumb displayed the highest level of adaptation [1]. Short intervals between touchscreen use resulted in a more significant neurological response [1]. This suggests that our brains are continually being reshaped by our daily encounters with technology.
While this heightened brain activity might initially appear as a positive adaptation given the brain's remarkable plasticity, there's a concerning twist. Over-stimulation of the somatosensory cortex—the area responsible for processing touch—can lead to unwanted consequences, including pain and movement disorders [1]. The researchers caution that "plasticity of the somatosensory cortex is associated with the development of chronic pain" [2].
In essence, our constant smartphone use could be training our brains in a way that causes discomfort, numbness, or even long-term neurological issues. Given the ubiquity of smartphones in contemporary life, these changes are happening on a massive scale.
Neuroscience isn't the first to link repetitive motions to brain reorganization. Musicians, for instance, exhibit enhanced motor control in their fingers due to years of practice. However, unlike the deliberate, goal-oriented motions of instrument playing, smartphone interactions are often haphazard and aimless—scrolling through social media feeds, responding to messages, and gaming.
Awareness serves as the cornerstone of healthy digital habits. Regular breaks from screens, limiting screen time before bed, engaging in a variety of activities, and utilizing voice commands are practical steps to mitigate risks. The researchers stress that further research is needed to uncover the full extent of brain changes triggered by smartphone use [2].
In the end, smartphones are not just tools to improve our lives; they are orchestrators of our neural adventures. It's crucial to strike a balance between embracing the convenience of modern technology and ensuring our neurological wellbeing.
Sources:[1] Ghosh, A., Neuper, C., Brunner, A., et al. (2020). Influence of Smartphone Usage on Sensory-Motor Cortices. Current Biology, 30(12), R503-R504. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2020.04.042.[2] Ghosh, A. (2020, July 28). Smartphones Are Changing The Way Our Brains Work. Wired UK. Retrieved from https://www.wired.co.uk/article/smartphones-are-changing-our-brain[3] Tiicktin, S., et al. (2018). Smartphone-Addicted Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cognitive Functioning. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 9, 264. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00264[4] McDaniel, M. A., Fincham, C., Craig, N., et al. (2020). Interference Transfer in Working Memory: The Role of Episodic Encoding. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 27(3), 860-868. doi:10.3758/s13423-019-1634-8
- The use of smartphones, a significant component of modern technology, has been shown to significantly alter brain activity, particularly in regions responsible for processing sensory information from our fingers, according to studies [1].
- The adaptation of our brains to constant smartphone use seems to be causing concerns, as over-stimulation of the somatosensory cortex can lead to unwanted consequences, including pain and movement disorders [1].
- While neuroscience has linked repetitive motions to brain reorganization, the haphazard and aimless interactions with smartphones could potentially lead to negative neurological effects [1].
- Awareness of digital habits, including taking regular breaks from screens, limiting screen time before bed, and engaging in a variety of activities, can help reduce the risks associated with smartphone use [2]. However, more research is needed to fully comprehend the brain changes triggered by smartphone use [2].
