"Digital Dementia" Myth Debunked: Tech Use Cuts Brain Decline by 58%
United States: People widely believe that excessive use of digital devices, including smartphones and tablets alongside laptops, slowly deteriorates human mental function.
However, digital technology usage appears to defend the aging brain from decline and potential dementia manifestations, especially among early adopters of the tech revolution.
More about the news
The regular use of digital technology corresponds with a 58% decrease in senior cognitive impairment, thus matching the preventive benefits of better blood pressure control and exercise as well as brain games, according to research in Nature Human Behavior.
Studies reject the hypothesis that individuals from the first generation of personal computer users would develop “digital dementia” because their exposure to technological devices leads to brain degradation.
According to the evidence review led by Jared Benge, a neuropsychologist at the University of Texas at Austin’s Comprehensive Memory Center, “there was no credible evidence … for widespread digital ‘brain drain’ or ‘digital dementia’ as a result of general, natural uses of digital technology,” US News reported.
How are the experts studying?
Scientists collected data from 57 previously published research papers that examined anatomical and biological changes in over 411,000 research participants.
“The first generation who engaged with digital technologies has reached the age where risks of dementia emerge,” which would make them “digital pioneers,” as per the researchers.
People who initiated participation at 69 years formed the basis of this analysis.
According to researchers, someone who turned sixteen in 1945 needed to handle bill payments through cash or checks and used paper maps and encyclopedia searches to get information because the US Post Office required multiple days for letter delivery.
As the researchers described, “This same individual is now approaching their 80s and lives in a world where shopping occurs on the internet with credit cards, new knowledge is acquired by typing a question into a search engine, prospective memory is supported by digital calendars with automatic reminders, navigation is facilitated by GPS devices that are installed in most cars or phones, and text- or video-based communications can occur instantaneously with people across the world,” US News reported.
The "digital dementia" idea suggests that devices like smartphones cause cognitive decline, but a meta-analysis of 410,000 people suggests they could actually help keep us sharp. https://t.co/9zHxv50Qf6
— New Scientist (@newscientist) April 14, 2025
According to the analysis of the pooled studies, “greater use of everyday digital technologies was associated with reduced odds for cognitive decline,” researchers found that people who regularly used devices had a 58% lower risk of brain impairment or dementia.
The reduction of blood pressure cuts dementia risk by 13% while physical activity lowers the risk by 35%, and increased education level provides up to 47% protection, as well as brain exercises that reduce dementia risk by 31%, according to research.
