:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/digital-dementia-GettyImages-2150581101-f45e847c52364c13b3d709c7e682d68d.jpg?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "Think Technology Is Hurting Your Brain? Science Says the Opposite")
You’ve probably heard the popular refrain that overreliance on technology is bad for you. But there’s so much this viewpoint leaves out, especially in a digital age where avoiding technological devices is virtually impossible. You might also have heard the phenomenon of “digital dementia,” or the idea that overuse of technology can hinder our cognitive function. “For example, when solving tasks manually, we used to have to remember all the necessary information ourselves,” says Marvin Kopka, PhD, researcher in human-technology interaction. “Today, we can simply look it up or store it on our phones or computers. However, this term is highly debated in the scientific community, and it is not clear whether such a thing even exists.”
Moreover, a recent study published in Nature Human Behavior suggests that use of technological devices can actually lower the risk of memory disorders—as long as you use them the right way. “Because technology is constantly evolving, we must continually learn how to use it,” Kopka says. “This ongoing learning may be a good cognitive training that can protect our cognitive functioning.” To help us understand how technology can actually enhance our brain function, we tapped experts for five brain-boosting ways to use our digital devices.
- Marvin Kopka, PhD, researcher in human-technology interaction based in Berlin, Germany
- Lakelyn Eichenberger, PhD, gerontologist and caregiver advocate at Home Instead
What Is Cognitive Aging, Exactly?
In order to understand how to use technology to your benefit, it’s important to know what healthy and unhealthy cognitive aging is. “As we get older, we may notice subtle changes in cognition. This would include things such as: sometimes forgetting which word to use, forgetting what day it is but remembering later, losing things from time to time, not remembering the name of an acquaintance, having some trouble taking in new information as quickly as you used to, missing an occasional appointment or birthday, taking a little longer to think things through,” explains Lakelyn Eichenberger, PhD, gerontologist.
Eichenberger encourages older adults to keep an eye on these types of changes—and how they impact your day-to-day life. If these instances hinder your ability to get things done, it might be time to check in with a healthcare provider. On the other hand, healthy cognitive aging can include these instances from time to time, but they shouldn’t be a regular issue. And when you do use your digital devices to access your to-do list, make phone calls, or check social media, make sure to use it in ways that actually benefit your brain.
5 Ways to Use Technology to Benefit Your Brain
Enhance Social Connections
One of the most convenient parts of living in the digital age is having immediate access to our friends, family, and loved ones. Eichenberger encourages older adults to optimize their digital devices for social connection. “Staying social is really important for our brain health,” she says. “You can message back and forth, schedule regular video calls, share photos, and more.”
Learn Something New
If you’ve ever used your phone to complete a crossword puzzle, play games, or listen to an audio book, then you’ve already uncovered some of the brain-healthy aspects of technology. “Challenging our brains and learning new things throughout our lives is good for our brain health,” Eichenberger says. “You could use technology to help you learn a new language or to engage in a variety of brain games. You could also watch documentaries on streaming services to learn about other cultures or topics that interest you.”
Make Music
Believe it or not, making music—however good or bad—can have a major impact on our brain, Kopka explains. “There are also many apps for making music on phones and computers,” he says. “You can explore these applications, try some new features, and train your sense of rhythm.” Much like the many science-backed benefits of singing for our overall well-being, making music is an effective way to keep our brains active.
Stay Organized
If you use your phone to set daily reminders or jot down your to-do list, you’re already one step ahead of the crowd. “Phones can also help with everyday organization, for example, with Apple’s medication reminder,” Kopka says. “With external reminders, you don’t have to worry about remembering [things like] medication schedules, which reduces cognitive load and frees up resources for other things—especially if you’re managing multiple prescriptions.”
Separate Wants vs. Needs
An unhealthy relationship with technology can be curbed by differentiating between our wants and our needs, Eichenberger explains. For example, setting reminders is necessary to remember what needs to get done, whereas using your phone’s calculator to solve a quick math problem isn’t necessary.
“While it can be tempting to look up answers to questions or jump right to your smartphone, you may want to pause for a moment,” Eichenberger says. “Can you think of the answer on your own? Could you come up with several possible conclusions before looking up which one is correct? This can be a great way to challenge your brain and make sure you aren’t harming your memory and recall abilities.” This will also offer your brain a chance to take a break, ensuring that you’re not just passively engaging with technology.
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