Loss of attention and even gray matter, science kills stupid videos on social networks

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The verdict is clear. Our addiction to social media is not just a waste of time: it is literally destroying our cognitive abilities. A series of scientific studies conducted by prestigious institutions such as Harvard Medical School and the University of Oxford reveal that compulsive consumption of online content reduces the gray matter of our brain. An alarming observation that transforms the colloquial expression that characterizes the stupidest videos on the networks called “brain rot” into a measurable scientific reality.

Infinite scrolling, a weapon of mass destruction for our brain

Social networks have perfectly understood how to exploit the weaknesses of our brain. Infinite scrolling, this feature that allows us to scroll endlessly through content, is not a coincidence. Dr. Michoel Moshel of Macquarie University explains that this function takes advantage of our natural tendency to seek novelty, particularly when it comes to potentially dangerous or alarming information. A mechanism that, ironically, once served our survival.

This constant overstimulation causes considerable damage. Neuroimaging studies show a decrease in the volume of gray matter in the brain regions responsible for reward processing, impulse control, and decision-making. Even more worrying, these changes are strangely similar to the effects observed in people suffering from addictions to substances such as methamphetamine or alcohol.

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A whole generation threatened by “doomscrolling”

The phenomenon particularly affects adolescents, at a crucial time in their development. The neuroanatomical changes observed disrupt the formation of their identity and their social cognition abilities. A study published in Nature last November highlights a particularly perverse vicious circle: People who already suffer from mental health problems are more likely to engage in the consumption of harmful content, which further aggravates their symptoms.

Eduardo Fernández Jiménez, a clinical psychologist at La Paz Hospital in Madrid, highlights another aspect of the problem. Continuous exposure to the variable stimuli of social networks forces our brain to constantly change focus. This exhausting mental gymnastics gradually destroys our ability to maintain sustained attention, the very attention that is essential for learning processes.

Solutions exist, but require collective awareness

The problem is not new. As early as 2005, scientists from the University of London observed a 10-point drop in IQ among people who compulsively checked their emails. A more harmful impact than cannabis use. Today, with the proliferation of platforms and short formats, the situation has become critical.

Faced with this observation, experts recommend a balanced approach. Dr. Moshel emphasizes the importance of prioritizing educational content and establishing clear limits on daily use. Psychologist Carlos Losada, for his part, advocates a return to physical activities and in-person social interactions, which are essential to counteract the harmful effects of rapid content consumption.

• Excessive consumption of online content physically reduces the brain's gray matter
• Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of doomscrolling
• Limiting screen time and returning to physical activities are essential to preserving our mental health

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