Smartphones have rapidly become ubiquitous in our daily lives. Surprisingly, the tech giants behind these devices often restrict their children from using them. This article delves into the profound effects of smartphone usage on our athletic brain.
Read more: The Impact of Smartphone Usage on Athletic Brain FunctionalityThe Disturbing Truth about Smartphone Dependency
In one of my previous articles, I explored how smartphones influence decision-making abilities, particularly in sports. As I delved deeper, I discovered that our brains are incredibly susceptible to smartphones and their myriad of applications. The literature on this topic was eye-opening, revealing a concerning relationship between our brains and these devices. It’s telling when the leading figures in tech restrict their children from smartphone usage.
A Surge in Screen Time
The rise in smartphone engagement over the years is staggering. Back in 2008, the average individual spent roughly 18 minutes a day on their phone. Today, that number has skyrocketed to over 3 hours daily. App developers strategically design applications to capture our attention, optimizing them for longer screen times. Why? The more we engage with apps, the likelier we are to click on in-app advertisements. A classic example is Pinterest, which teases users with a glimpse of the next image, compelling them to keep scrolling. It’s become a common sight: people glued to their phones everywhere, from train stations to waiting rooms.
The Dopamine Connection
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that gives us feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. It plays a vital role in motivation, survival, and reward mechanisms. However, it also has its drawbacks. Highly addictive in nature, dopamine release is common in drug usage. Alarmingly, smartphones have become our modern-day dopamine dispensers. Every notification, whether important or not, triggers a dopamine release. Try leaving your phone behind for a day, and you’ll likely experience feelings of unease and restlessness.
Brain Chemistry and Smartphones
The constant barrage of notifications and stimuli from smartphones alters our brain chemistry. The balance between GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) and Glx (Glutamate-glutamine neurotransmitter) gets disrupted. While GABA slows down brain activity, Glx stimulates it. Excessive smartphone use increases GABA production, leading to sluggish cognitive responses.
Starting the Day Smartphone-free
Many of us start our day by checking our smartphones, exposing our brains to an immediate dopamine surge. This routine not only makes us crave more dopamine throughout the day but also hampers our focus. It’s essential to recognize and limit our smartphone dependency. This holds true for athletes, coaches, and trainers alike. Research has shown that apps and smartphones severely hamper concentration, focus, and even decision-making skills in sports.
Simple Mechanics of Dopamine
Understanding dopamine’s basic mechanism sheds light on its powerful impact. Simple rewards or acknowledgments can trigger its release. For trainers, creating exercises that evoke feelings of success, like scoring a goal, can harness this dopamine effect beneficially.