How Your Smartphone Could Be Damaging Your Brain: Insights From A Leading Neuroscientist

Dr. Wendy Suzuki recently discussed the detrimental effects of screen addiction on brain development and overall well-being during an episode of The Diary of a CEO, hosted by Steven Bartlett. She emphasized that excessive smartphone use hampers brain plasticity and limits the potential for joy, which is more profound in face-to-face interactions compared to the superficial engagement on social media .

The term “smartphones ‘frying’ our brains” reflects the negative consequences of excessive phone use. Dr. Suzuki explained that constant engagement with smartphones leads to overstimulation and potential harm to the brain due to frequent dopamine releases and stress responses.

On the podcast, Dr. Suzuki highlighted that our increasing reliance on smartphones is altering our neural pathways, impeding brain growth, and impacting our well-being. She noted that extended screen time , especially through social media, is linked to rising levels of anxiety , depression , and diminished human connections essential for brain health .

Designed to Capture Attention

Dr. Suzuki, a prominent neuroscientist and memory researcher, compared smartphone and social media use to gambling. She described the experience as similar to pulling a slot machine lever: “Social media is … like pulling the slot machine handle. I pull down on the feed and I get a ping. ‘Oh look there’s a nice picture’. ‘Oh ping, there’s notifications and comments’.” This constant cycle of dopamine hits can lead to compulsive behaviors such as repeatedly checking smartphones or social media apps.

She observed that the steady influx of notifications and new content triggers dopamine release in the brain's reward centers, conditioning users to crave this stimulation and engage in repetitive behaviors.

Dr. Suzuki also expressed concern about the effects of smartphones on the developing brains of young people. She observed a significant rise in anxiety and depression among adolescents, particularly young girls, correlating with increased smartphone and social media use. She attributed this to the constant comparisons and immediate feedback from likes and metrics, which contribute to heightened stress levels.

Impaired Human Connections

Dr. Suzuki stressed that the obsession with smartphones is damaging our ability to form genuine human connections. “There’s no substitute for real human connections when it comes to brain health and emotional wellbeing,” she asserted. Face-to-face interactions activate brain regions that digital interactions cannot, particularly areas like the insula, located deep in the cortex near the ear.

She cautioned that excessive smartphone use might be weakening the neural pathways essential for empathy, emotional intelligence, and deep relationships.

Strategies for Healthier Use

Dr. Suzuki proposed several strategies for managing smartphone use to improve brain health. She suggested taking digital detoxes, which involve long breaks from smartphones to break habitual behaviors. This practice can lead to healthier time management.

Physical exercise, according to Dr. Suzuki, is effective in reducing anxiety and depression. “Exercise immediately decreases anxiety and depression levels… Ten minutes of walking can significantly decrease your anxiety and depression levels,” she said, noting that it provides a natural mood boost and reduces stress.

She also recommended conscious breathing to activate the relaxation response and alleviate stress from constant connectivity. “Take three deep breaths…that’s the only thing you have conscious control over that can launch all the rest of that parasympathetic activity slowing your heart rate,” Dr. Suzuki suggested.

Mindful meditation can help individuals stay present rather than constantly seeking stimulation, and increased face-to-face interactions can fulfill the innate need for human connection. Dr. Suzuki advised reframing anxiety as a tool for personal growth, suggesting that it reflects our true concerns and can be used constructively.

Despite the challenges posed by smartphone addiction , Dr. Suzuki remains optimistic about human adaptability. “We have an opportunity every single day to make our brain as healthy as it could be,” she concluded.