Using multiple technology devices at the same time reducing gray matter?

Through brain scanning images, researchers at the University of London found that using smartphones, laptops, and tablets at the same time can alter the structure of the brain. Specifically, the density of gray matter at certain brain regions of people who use multiple devices at the same time is lower than those who only use 1 device at a time. The research has been published in the recent issue of the PloS One psychiatry magazine.

Previous studies have found that the simultaneous use of multiple communication devices will reduce concentration, distraction and even related depression or autism. And in the recent study, two researchers from London University were Ryota Kanai and Kep Kee Loh used brain scanning techniques to study the impact of using multiple media at the same time to the activities of the health. neurons.

The research team selected 75 adults with an average age of 25, then answered a questionnaire about their usage habits for 10 different media types: media publications , television, video on computers, music, phone calls with mobile phones, instant messaging, text messages, email, web surfing and other applications on the computer. Next, 40 of the volunteers will be scanned by the magnetic resonance imaging technique of fMRI (measuring brain activity through the flow of blood).

The results showed that those who use more and more communication devices at the same time, the density of gray matter on the front cortex belt (ACC) will be lower than the others. This is the center that regulates people's attention, awareness and functions that control emotions. Researcher Loh said: "Using multi-media at the same time is becoming increasingly popular in people's lives today. This action is closely related to cognitive ability and ability to regulate emotions. This is the first study to show the link between that action and the brain structure. "

However, the study has not yet identified the nature of the effect on the human brain and, anyway, these are still preliminary findings of a relationship. Researcher Loh also acknowledged that the results of the study are still not really universal, and that more research will be done in the future to determine the impact of the media on the whole. human nature and spirit.

The title has been changed.