Suche
Mein Konto
Digital dangers: Brain researchers warn of cell phone addiction among young people!
Young people in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are increasingly using digital media. Experts warn of health consequences and emphasize the need for responsible use.
Digital dangers: Brain researchers warn of cell phone addiction among young people!
Media consumption among young people has changed significantly in recent years. According to a current Postbank study, young people between the ages of 16 and 18 now spend around ten hours a day on the Internet - an increase of one and a half hours compared to 2023. This is cause for concern, especially in view of the statement by brain researcher Prof. Manfred Spitzer, who discussed the negative effects of digital media on education in a lecture in Stralsund. The key message? Excessive media consumption could lead to “digital dementia,” says Spitzer, who cites a study by the Karolinska Institute in Sweden that shows that digital media in the classroom does not lead to better learning. NDR reports.
In the course of his warnings, Spitzer also emphasizes that around one in four young people show signs of cell phone addiction. The health consequences are alarming: from poor posture to myopia and high blood pressure, which can result from intensive use of cell phones and tablets. Of particular concern is a study from Wuhan, China, showing that children's eyeballs grew faster during lockdown, leading to myopia. In view of the development, the Ministry of Education in Hesse has announced that it will introduce a ban on cell phones in schools from August 2025, which was expressly welcomed by Spitzer.
Parents worried
Parents are increasingly concerned about their children's media use. A DAK study, supported by the University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf, shows that millions of children and young people in Germany have problems due to their media consumption. Over a quarter of 10 to 17 year olds use social media to a problematic extent, while around 5% are considered dependent. This shows that the risks of digital consumption remain high, although there are indications of a slight decline in gaming and social media addiction problems in 2024.
Parents' uncertainty is reflected in the recommendations made by experts regarding screen time for children. The DGKJ media guidelines recommend a drastic limitation of media time: children under 3 years of age should have no screen time, while children aged 3 to 6 years should have a maximum of 30 minutes per day. For 6 to 9 year olds, no more than 45 minutes is recommended. Strong support for these measures comes from the WHO, which calls for more investment in digital education and stricter regulation of social media platforms. Deutschlandfunk reports.
A new perspective?
Interestingly, there are also new perspectives on the use of digital media. A meta-analysis by neuroscientists published in Nature Human Behavior refutes the widespread belief that digital media worsens cognitive abilities and increases the risk of dementia. This analysis shows that the use of digital media can reduce the risk of dementia by as much as 58%. This is where the concept of “technological reserve” comes into play: according to the study, lifelong engagement with technology promotes cognition. An exciting twist that gives the often critical view of digital media a more positive note. Northern Bavaria reports.
These results suggest that using digital technologies is cognitively challenging and can potentially promote mental fitness in older people. But above all these discussions, one question remains: How can we ensure that the next generation learns to use this technology responsibly? An urgent appeal to parents and educational institutions.