Is the persistent use of technology causing memory loss? All you need to know about digital amnesia

New Delhi: Technology, without a doubt, has transformed our lives incredibly. From connectivity to grocery shopping or entertainment to education, usage of technology is omnipresent and everything is available to us in a little black box called a smartphone. All it needs is a touch. 

Instances of smartphone users have increased dramatically over the course of the pandemic. While in some sectors, that is, work and education, its use might be labelled as inevitable but we can't help but observe how humans turn to digital devices even where entertainment is concerned. The drastic shift towards a digitally oriented world is also leading to the emergence of various health complications such as digital amnesia. 

Digital amnesia and memory loss

Excessive use of digital devices can affect the body in many ways. Some common implications of the same include:

• Deteriorated eye health
• Worsened posture 
• Body, bone, and joint aches 
• Adverse effects on mental health 

But can digital usage lead to memory loss? Yes, and here's how:

1. It can lead to disrupted sleep which can cause cognitive dysfunction and the inability to remember things.
2. The human brain is meant to remember information. Every day, a large quantity of data gets replaced so the brain can store more new data. This can lead to the loss of memory and information.
3. When we focus less, lower or no retention of information becomes possible. Studies have shown how digital devices can hamper the ability to concentrate.                     

Digital amnesia - How to prevent

Here are some ways in which you can prevent digital amnesia:

1. Learn to switch off: Did you know that the "Do Not Disturb" icon in your smartphone actually works? Jokes and sarcasm aside, while it's true that every smartphone user is aware of the presence of the "Do Not Disturb" feature in smartphones, it is also true that many smartphone users go about their life without using the feature. Learn to switch the digital world off and don't let the constant notifications bother you. 
2. Build boundaries: Don't let your professional life merge with your personal life. When working from home, it can get very easy to get off track and do twice the office work. Therefore, it is important to set boundaries such as no calls/messages/emails after 5 PM or no work before 9 AM. Make sure you let your colleagues know about the same. 
3. Reorganize your home screen: Your secret to staying away from your phone might be right in front of you without you even realising it. Yes, we're talking about your smartphone's home screen. When social media applications are on the home screen, it is fairly easy to get off track and succumb to distraction. To avoid this, reorganize your home screen and keep your social media applications in places where it's not easily accessible. 
4. Turn night mode on: Insufficient sleep is known to cause cognitive dysfunction and exposure to blue light is one of the leading causes of disturbed sleep in this digital era. Therefore, when using digital screens, make sure your turn on the night light feature. 
5. Keep a track: Just like how you can regulate your health by keeping a track of it,  you can do the same with your use of digital devices. This can help you identify areas where your need to improve. You can do this by maintaining a digital journal where you record all your digital activities, set reminders for your social media use, etc.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet,