Increasing screen use among youth and the risk of digital dementia trigger forgetfulness
Experts warned against memory loss and forgetfulness issues that are on the rise in the younger generation due to excessive smartphone and screen use.
With technology placing itself at the center of life, the risk of digital dementia threatening the younger generation was addressed by experts. Excessive smartphone use increases forgetfulness and distraction while negatively affecting brain functions.
Increasing Forgetfulness in Youth
It is stated that a significant increase in complaints of forgetfulness is observed not only in advanced ages, but also in young individuals. Experts state that forgetfulness is defined as difficulty experienced in recording or recalling information.
The Concept of Digital Dementia
Referring to the concept of digital dementia introduced by German neuroscientist Manfred Spitzer, it is emphasized that increasing screen time in young people creates negative effects on attention and memory functions.
Sleep and Mental Laziness
It is noted that being constantly exposed to stimuli, easy access to information, and blue light suppressing sleep hormones lead to mental laziness. This situation also brings along the risk of memory loss.
Alzheimer's and Genetic Realities
There are misconceptions in society about Alzheimer's, which is the most common cause of forgetfulness in the elderly age group. Although having a history of the disease in the family suggests genetic transmission, it is stated that it constitutes less than 1 percent of cases.
Precautions That Can Be Taken
Emphasizing that forgetfulness complaints are preventable, the importance of methods such as limiting digital media usage time, regular sleep, and healthy nutrition is conveyed.
Mental Activities
It is stated that keeping the brain active with activities such as reading books, solving puzzles, and memory games is very effective in combating forgetfulness.