BERLIN: A new study has revealed that putting your phone away for just 72 hours can detox and significantly change brain activity, highlighting how deeply we are wired to our digital devices.
Researchers from Heidelberg University and the University of Cologne in Germany conducted an experiment involving 25 young adults aged 18 to 30, who were asked to limit smartphone use for three days. Only essential work-related tasks and communication were allowed.
Before and after this phone detox, participants underwent MRI scans and psychological tests to measure changes in brain activity. Scientists found that after 72 hours, brain regions linked to reward processing and cravings reacted differently to images of smartphones, similar to brain signals seen in substance addiction.
The study suggests that smartphones can trigger addictive responses, much like nicotine or alcohol. This is linked to dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters responsible for mood control and compulsive behaviour.
Interestingly, while some participants reported feeling better, overall psychological tests showed no major mood shifts or strong withdrawal symptoms. This indicates that while the brain reacts to limited phone access, it doesn’t always translate into emotional distress.
The study doesn’t pinpoint why smartphones influence brain activity, but researchers suggest not all phone activities are equally addictive. The link between smartphone use and social interaction also complicates how dependency develops.
As smartphones have only been around for less than 20 years, scientists are still uncovering their long-term effects on our brains and behaviours. This study adds to the growing concern that excessive smartphone use could contribute to addictive tendencies in at-risk individuals.
