Excessive use of social networks has for some time been linked to a decline in attention, weaker memory and impaired mental health. All this is known as cognitive laziness, which is further enhanced by using artificial intelligence. However, new research shows that the solution may not be that complicated. On the contrary, it boils down to removing just one key feature from the phone.
As he reports SB Techthe problem is not just the time spent on the phone, but the way it is used. Modern smartphones have become a constant source of stimulation, a infinite scrolling content directly affects cognitive abilities, especially focus and memory.
Data shows that the average user spends more than five hours a day looking at the screen. Younger generations even exceed six hours. At the same time, more than half of the respondents express a desire to reduce the use of the phone, which indicates a growing awareness of the problem.
A key part of the research focuses on a simple intervention – removing mobile internet from a smartphone. In practice, this means that the device retains basic functions such as calls and messages, but loses access to social networks and other sources of constant digital content.
Specialist study on mobile internet
In a study published in the journal PNAS Nexusmore than 450 participants used the blocking app internet on telefonu. It is important to emphasize that the Internet was not completely eliminated from their lives – participants were still able to use it on computers and other devices. The results of the study were concrete and measurable. The average daily time spent on the phone was reduced from 314 to 161 minutes. Additionally, participants noted improvements in concentration, mental health, and overall sense of satisfaction. And that for just 14 days of reducing this function.
The interpretation of the results is particularly interesting. The effects, according to the researchers, are comparable to “reversing” about 10 years of cognitive decline. In other words, not only was further deterioration stopped, but the negative consequences were to a certain extent reversed. An important context of this finding is the fact that the problem is not necessarily in the device itself, but in the constant connection to the Internet and platforms that encourage compulsive use. In other words, not all “screen time” is the same. The difference is between active and passive use, as well as between controlled and impulsive behavior.
Cognitive laziness (it seems) is not such a difficult problem to solve
The conclusion of the research is very specific. Complete “digital detox” is not necessary. It is enough to limit the most problematic part, which is constant access to the Internet on the phone. In this way, a visible improvement in focus, mood and general functioning would be achieved.
In other words, the solution is not to renounce technology, but to use it differently. Cognitive laziness seems to be more solvable than we thought – which is great news!