#HEALTH: Excessive screen time causes "popcorn brain"
THE digital world, while offering enormous benefits, also carries risks that young people may not yet have the maturity to manage.
The excessive use of screens, particularly among young individuals, has been linked to a phenomenon known as "popcorn brain." This term describes the effects of constant exposure to rapid digital stimulation, which can displace crucial activities such as sleep, physical activity, and meaningful human interaction. Psychiatrist Dr Hijaz Ridzwan, from the International Islamic University Malaysia, warns that children below 16 are still developing emotionally and are more vulnerable to impulsive decisions, peer pressure, and social influence on social media platforms.
While the digital world offers numerous benefits, it also carries significant risks, including cyberbullying, harmful content, and the addictive nature of algorithm-driven platforms. The issue is not solely about children accessing social media but rather the earlier exposure to smartphones and tablets, which deprives them of essential real-world experiences for their development.
Education policies are increasingly addressing this concern, with Finland restricting mobile phone use in schools and other countries implementing national policies banning mobile phones in educational settings.
Brief written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
