During the meeting of the International Discussion Club “VISION 3000”, the topic of which was: “Information support for the implementation of the state policy of the Russian Federation,” Bibigul Kushalieva, a neuroscientist, blogger, and author of the book, took part.
Bibigul Kushalieva highlighted the topic: “The neurobiology of digital dementia: how technology is changing our brain.”
Digital Dementia
The concept of “digital dementia” was first proposed by German psychotherapist and neuroscientist Manfred Spitzer in 2008. He noted that the intensive use of digital devices such as smartphones and computers leads to a decrease in concentration, deterioration of memory and critical thinking. These phenomena are similar to senile dementia, but they appear much earlier and are associated with digital habits.
Why does digital dementia occur?
The fact is that our built—in supercomputer has both ancient areas — the reptilian brain, and new ones – the neocortex, frontal lobes, and prefrontal medial cortex. And if the reptilian brain, responsible for analyzing primary sensations and instant “hit-run-freeze” reactions, was inherited evolutionarily, the neocortex requires development. The law of brain cells — neurons is very simple: everything that does not develop gradually dies out.
It is the neocortex that is responsible for such higher functions as analysis, synthesis, conceptual, abstract and critical thinking, will and emotion regulation. This part of the brain develops at the moment of activity, but interaction with gadgets does not provide “food” for development: the maximum is the development of “clip thinking” or fast tracking of moving objects.
Digital dementia primarily affects the following groups of people:
- Young people and adolescents whose neuroplasticity (the ability of the brain to adapt) is working at its limit, constantly being influenced by rapid information flows.
- Elderly people who may face additional cognitive problems due to excessive use of gadgets.
- Working professionals in the field of information technology, media and social networks, where constant access to information leads to chronic stress and overload.
Digital Dementia Research
According to research conducted in Germany and the United States, excessive use of smartphones and social networks reduces attention and performance, disrupts the synchronization of neural networks, which in turn leads to memory impairment. For example, a Harvard University study showed that people who actively use the Internet to search for information are worse at remembering important details, relying more on external devices than on their own memory.
Neurobiology: Habenula and the Influence of Information Flow
Special attention should be paid to the habenula, a brain structure associated with emotion regulation and attention. Habenula is involved in the mechanisms of decision-making, motivation, and emotional reactivity. With excessive digital load, the habenula is disrupted. The brain begins to work in an “information overload” mode, which can lead to a decrease in cognitive functions and emotional exhaustion. The signals coming from high-speed information flows suppress habenula’s ability to concentrate, which interferes with normal information processing and decision-making.
Symptoms and Signs of digital dementia
Digital dementia can manifest itself in the following symptoms::
- Decreased ability to concentrate and pay attention.
- Deterioration of short- and long-term memory.
- A constant feeling of fatigue and information overload.
- Decreased ability to think critically and analyze.
- Problems with regulating emotions, frequent stress and anxiety.
What is the danger of digital dementia for the security of the nation?
Digital dementia can threaten not only personal safety, but also the stability of society as a whole.:
- Reducing the quality of decision-making. In conditions of digital overload, people become less able to analyze information and draw informed conclusions, which can lead to mistakes in management and making crucial policy decisions.
- Information wars. Vulnerability in decision-making opens the door to manipulation of public opinion through disinformation.
- Cyber threats and fraud. People with impaired cognitive functions can become an easy target for cyber attacks and fraud.
Another aspect is the quality of the information provided to the brain. Currently, there is a lot of unconfirmed information on the Web (near-scientific and near-psychological information), which can also lead to a threat to personal safety. For example, a client at the first meeting asked about my methods, and told me about her daughter, who turned to a specialist for self-confidence – she was told to wipe herself with salt and do 3 somersaults
Prevention and how to get rid of digital addiction
To avoid digital dementia, preventive measures should be implemented.:
- Digital detox. Regular breaks from using gadgets, rest without a screen (at least 2 hours a day). The study lasted 2 weeks without a phone and the brain became 10 years younger, but only 25% of the 100 participants were able to do it, the rest could not stand it.
- The development of critical thinking. Include exercises to train memory and concentration, such as puzzles or meditation.
- Time control. Using technology wisely: time limits for watching news and social media.
- Education and awareness of the problem. Raising awareness about the dangers of excessive information consumption and its effects on the brain.
Digital dementia is a real threat to human cognitive functions, and it requires serious attention. Regular information overload not only worsens personal quality of life, but can also threaten the security of the nation, reducing the ability to critical thinking and quality management. Prevention strategies and conscious limitation of digital exposure will help minimize these risks while preserving the health of both individuals and society as a whole.
The materials of the meeting are available at:
- Website of the VISION 3000 club: https://vision3000.ru/
- Online publication “Embassy Life”: https://embassylife.ru/
- International Women’s Union website: https://www.iwuorg.com/
We would like to thank GBU “Moscow House of Nationalities” for their help in organizing the meeting of the International Discussion Club “VISION 3000” and providing the photographic material.
More photos on the link https://vk.com/album-211188669_306558343
Information about the club:
The International Discussion Club “VISION 3000” is an open platform for the exchange of experience and discussion of issues related to the promotion of Russian and international intellectual dialogue and independent, objective examination of economic, cultural and social projects, bringing together like—minded people whose activities are aimed at dialogue and openness…..https://vision3000.ru/?page_id=7
#VISION3000 #Cultural Legacy #Digital Diplomacy #Information Security
P.S. Thank you to all the participants for the depth of the discussion! Your ideas will become the basis for new projects that strengthen the unity of Russia in the digital age.