Digital dementia - what is it?

Digital dementia is a concept introduced by the German neuropsychologist Manfred Shpeikher in 2012. It describes the state of reduction of cognitive abilities caused by excessive use of digital technologies, such as computers, smartphones, tablets and the Internet.

Digital dementia can manifest itself in symptoms such as a decrease in concentration, memory, attention and mental abilities. People with digital dementia can experience difficulties with the organization and planning, as well as standard skills, such as reading cards and the use of analog watches.

This condition is due to the fact that the use of digital technologies, especially mobile applications and the Internet, often leads to a superficial and many hours in front of the screens, which can affect the development of the brain, especially in children and adolescents.

Some experts believe that the active use of the brain at an early age, such as reading books, conducting conversations, physical activity, is important for its normal development and preventing states similar to digital dementia.

However, not all scientists recognize digital dementia as a separate disease and consider it more likely to the result of improper use or excess time conducted on digital devices.