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| source : tyemedical.com |
I’ll admit it, I’ve had my fair share of late-night doomscrolling sessions, half convinced I was melting my brain one tap at a time. And I know I’m not alone. For years, we’ve heard scary headlines about how screens are rotting our attention spans and possibly even increasing our risk of dementia.
So when I stumbled on a recent Nature Human Behavior study suggesting that tech use might actually lower the risk of cognitive decline, I had to dig deeper. I mean, could browsing the internet, using email, or even checking social media be doing our brains a favor?
Turns out, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. But what researchers found might surprise you, and honestly, give some of us a little peace of mind.
What the Study Found (And Why It Matters)
Researchers from two Texas universities dug into 57 studies involving over 411,000 older adults, we’re talking folks with an average starting age of 68. And here’s the kicker: those who used technology (computers, smartphones, email, internet, etc.) were 42% less likely to show signs of cognitive impairment.
Let that sink in: people who used tech weren’t just not harmed, they were actually doing better on memory and cognition tests.
That’s a big deal, especially in the face of the so-called “digital dementia” hypothesis, the idea that relying on tech makes our brains lazy. This new research is saying, “Maybe not. Maybe it’s the opposite.”
Why Tech Might Help Our Brains
There’s a theory that might explain this: cognitive reserve. Think of your brain like a muscle, the more you work it out over a lifetime, the more it can handle stress or aging later on.
Using tech often requires navigating new systems, learning interfaces, reading, writing, solving problems, staying socially connected, all things that stimulate our brains.
Plus, if you’ve ever taught your parents or grandparents to use WhatsApp or Facebook (and repeated it 20 times), you know: this stuff takes mental effort. That effort is exercise.
Dr. Jared Benge, one of the study authors, put it well: this isn’t a green light for “mindless scrolling” it’s about engaging tech in a meaningful way.
The Social Side: Connection Matters
Another point I kept running into in my research: social isolation is a huge risk factor for dementia. And technology, when used well, can help bridge that gap.
Whether it’s a Zoom call with grandkids, a Facebook message from an old friend, or even a silly cat meme that makes you laugh and feel a little more connected, these micro-moments can have a ripple effect on mental wellness.
So yes, grandma texting with the grandkids might be doing her brain some good.
What the Study Didn’t Show
Now, let’s pump the brakes a bit.
This study wasn’t perfect. It didn’t get into how people were using tech, like whether they were writing thoughtful emails, playing brain-training games, or just watching hours of TikToks. It also didn’t say how much tech is ideal.
And importantly, this study looked at folks who came to tech later in life. Today’s teens and 20-somethings who’ve been glued to screens since toddlerhood? We don’t have the data yet on how their brains will age.
So, Should You Use Tech for Brain Health?
In a word: yes, but thoughtfully.
If you’re older and hesitant about using digital tools, this is your sign to try. Learning how to use tech can be frustrating, sure, but that’s part of the mental stimulation. And many older adults, even those with mild cognitive issues, have shown they can adapt, and benefit from it.
That said, balance is everything. If your eyes are strained, your neck is stiff, and you feel like a zombie after hours on your tablet, that’s your body waving a red flag.
Here are some tech habits that might boost brain health (and won’t make you feel like a screen-zombie):
- Video chat regularly with friends or family
- Play games that challenge memory or logic
- Take an online class (languages, art, history, whatever sparks curiosity)
- Read articles or eBooks on topics you love
- Use email or messaging to write meaningful notes to people
Avoid falling into passive loops of scrolling just to kill time. That’s not stimulation, that’s sedation.
Final Thought: Tech Is a Tool, Not the Villain
I used to feel guilty for how much time I spent on my laptop or phone. But now, I’m reframing it. Am I using it to connect, to learn, to create, to think? If yes, I’m probably doing my brain a favor.
This isn’t to say we should live our lives through screens, but we don’t have to fear them either.
Like Dr. Amit Sachdev said, it’s about intention. Use tech in a way that brings you joy, connection, creativity, or curiosity. That’s the sweet spot.
Because in the end, a well-used device might just be one more tool in keeping our minds sharp, not dulling them.