The psychiatrist warns about the neurological and behavioral effects of early and excessive exposure to the digital world
Summary
The phenomenon of “brain rot”, associated with excessive exposure to screens, worries experts due to the impacts on child development, such as cognitive decline, behavioral changes, sleep problems and early puberty; Measures such as digital abstinence and healthy stimuli can reverse the damage.
The term “brainrot”, which in literal translation means “brain rot”, has been used on social media to describe the impact of excessive consumption of digital content, especially among children and adolescents. While popular, the concept reflects real concerns about the effects of prolonged exposure to screens, a phenomenon that already has a scientific and clinical basis.
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“It’s a popular term, not a medical one. In our diagnostic category, technology addiction falls under the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders),” explains psychiatrist Anny Maciel in an interview with Earth. According to her, the term arises from the perception that the constant use of digital devices “atrophies brain connections” and “impoverishes the complexity of what stimulates the child.”
The expert compares the rapid stimulation of social networks to a mechanism similar to that of drug addiction. “When we’re in the digital world, we click a button and information comes in. It’s all very simple, very fleeting, and it really activates our reward system. This reward system is the same one that activates, for example, in drug addiction.”
Anny listed family factors that contribute to the problem. “Often we have a family that is not as strict with exposure to screens, without an academic goal. This reward system becomes more and more active, grows and becomes hypertrophied. And it itself creates a mechanism to throw you back into that same pursuit, just like chemical dependency.”
“Near withdrawal”: the signs of brain rot
Among the main symptoms the doctor cites irritability, impatience, social isolation and impoverished language. “For example, if they’re in a place that doesn’t have access to the digital world, it’s almost like withdrawal,” he says.
Reflexes also appear at school, with decreased academic performance, social phobia, sleep problems and even delays in physical development. The doctor also warns about the relationship between excessive use of screens and precocious puberty: “Light enters the visual cortex and stimulates this region of the hypothalamus, which has a broad interface with the hormonal part.”
According to her, the phenomenon has direct consequences: “Precocious puberty, which if not identified, is responsible for short stature in girls. And men also end up having short stature, because they do not do physical activity, do not expose themselves to the sun and are deprived of sleep.”
Furthermore, there is an increase in the incidence of myopia and visual alterations.
Cognitive decline and impacts at school
The constant consumption of short videos, notifications and instant content has left visible marks on the child’s development. “With an early introduction and with many years of immersion in this digital world, studies have shown that yes, there is a loss of cognitive abilities. Even in schools, teachers highlight the losses,” reports the psychiatrist.
He states that many cases are confused with disorders such as attention deficit, hyperactivity or dyslexia, when, in reality, they are consequences of a dysfunctional home environment, with excessive and early exposure to screens.
The most affected brain regions include the hypothalamus, amygdala and hippocampus, areas responsible for memory, well-being and feelings of pleasure. According to Anny Maciel, imaging tests already show brain atrophy in children who overuse digital devices.
Is there a way to reverse the effects?
Despite the damage, the psychiatrist says the child’s brain has the ability to recover. “There are studies that show that 72 hours of abstinence from the digital world with reading stimuli, games, interpersonal interactions, immersion in nature and moments of leisure can recover the damage.”
He advocates that the use of screens be delayed as much as possible during childhood and that digital media should always be used for educational or reflective purposes. “This is why we recommend using the Internet and social networks later and later. Use digital media with a purpose. Always review with some time for study, contact, reflection”, he explains.
In adults, brain rot is also a concern, as it is responsible for accelerating cognitive decline with irreversible effects. However, in addition to reducing exposure, your doctor recommends engaging in physical activity, as it contributes to brain health. Furthermore, reading, free time, immersion in nature and interpersonal relationships also slow the decline.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
