Blocking mobile internet on smartphones improves brain health

https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/4/2/pgaf017/8016017?login=false

2 2 1 year ago

academic.oup.com

v7engine• 1 year ago

*Summarized it with GPT*

70%+ experienced better mental health and SWB; ~58% had better sustained attention; ~91% improved on at least one outcome.

- Those with higher Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) at baseline benefited more in SWB/mental health. - Those with more ADHD symptoms at baseline benefited more in attentional awareness.

*Actionable Advice Based on the Study:*

Periodically Block Mobile Internet on Your Smartphone

Try using an app or built-in settings to block all internet access (Wi-Fi and data) on your phone for a set period (e.g., 2 weeks or a few days each week). Calls and texts can remain enabled to stay reachable without the distractions of the internet. Start Small if Full Blocking Feels Difficult

If completely blocking mobile internet is too challenging, begin by limiting access during certain hours (e.g., evenings, weekends) or blocking only specific distracting apps (like social media or news). Replace Online Time with Healthy Offline Activities

Use the freed-up time to engage in activities associated with improved well-being: in-person socializing, exercising, spending time outdoors, pursuing hobbies, or reading books. Monitor Your Screen Time

Regularly check your average daily screen time on your phone and set goals to reduce it. Track changes to see what works best for you. Notice Your Mood and Well-Being

Pay attention to changes in your mood, attention span, and mental health as you reduce your mobile internet use. Keep a simple journal or use brief self-checks. Leverage Social Support

Consider doing the intervention with friends, family, or colleagues for added motivation and accountability. Identify Your Triggers

Reflect on when and why you reach for your smartphone’s internet features. Replace those moments with alternative activities. Customize Your Approach

If you notice high Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) or difficulty with attention (e.g., ADHD symptoms), you may benefit even more from reducing mobile internet access. Don’t Strive for Perfection

Even partial reduction or non-strict adherence can yield benefits. Focus on progress rather than perfection. Plan for Maintenance

After an initial intensive period (like 2 weeks), consider maintaining reduced mobile internet use through ongoing routines, such as regular “offline hours” or app-free days.

fuzzfactor• 1 year ago

People used to think the biggest risk was brain damage from some frequent users holding a cellphone up to their ear so much. The source of the radio frequencies being so close to the brain and everything. People from all walks of life were skeptical, whether they were very advanced about high-frequency radio signals or not.

Nobody does that any more, instead it's usually the two-handed "Facebook pose" hunched over a touchphone which is not nearly as close to their ear very often at all. That should theoretically be safer for the brain from a proximity standpoint, but then the potentially negative effect on an erect posture became obvious to many people, as the under-recognized downside.

I guess people should be more suspicious when it comes to thinking processes.

Blocking mobile internet on smartphones improves brain health

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