According to doctors, digital overload is not only causing physical harm but also psychological harm, leading to loss of attention and memory.

What is popcorn brain syndrome?

The term 'popcorn brain', coined by University of Washington researcher David Levy in 2011, refers to a condition characterized by a lack of attention and concentration, which causes a person's thoughts to jump from one thing to the next, like popping popcorn kernels. Popcorn brain – a colloquial term for low attention span caused by the constant stimulation of digital media – causes a person's attention to rapidly jump between thoughts and tasks. This phenomenon is characterized by:

• Difficulty concentrating on any one activity
• feeling mentally overwhelmed
• Preference for quick-paced, diverse information over slower-paced tasks

However it is not a formal medical diagnosis. Experts say this condition – extremely serious – occurs as a result of constant multitasking, social media and digital notifications. Even though the exact cause of popcorn brain has not been identified, some causes may include:

• Excessive Screen Time: Spending more time on devices makes it harder to focus on non-digital activities.
• Instant Satisfaction: The Internet and social media provide instant rewards and increase dopamine in the brain, which can make everyday tasks seem boring and less interesting.
• Constant Notification: Repeated alerts and notifications can fragment our attention, create a lot of mental blockages, and make it difficult to focus on any one task.
• Multitasking: Switching between different apps or tasks can overload the brain's cognitive processes, leading to decreased attention span.

Who is most affected by popcorn brain?

According to doctors, even though popcorn brain is mostly seen in teenagers and young adults, the condition is now also commonly seen in people aged 30 to 45 years. Although it is not the same as internet addiction, it is equally bad in disrupting work, relationships and daily life. Popcorn Brain affects your quality of life, focus, and emotional well-being. Some symptoms of popcorn brain that you need to pay attention to include:

• increased irritability and anxiety
• insomnia and sleeplessness
• difficulty concentrating or paying attention
• feeling hyper-vigilant or stressed
• Offline life seems dull or boring.
• cognitive overload
• impulsivity

Ways to increase attention span

Some ways you can help children or yourself avoid popcorn brain syndrome -

• breathing exercises
• Meditate for at least 10 minutes every day
• Single-tasking with the practice of focusing on one task at a time
• Yoga to boost cognitive function
• Adjusting Screen Time Settings
• Designate tech-free zones at home so electronics are prohibited.
• Give yourself a digital detox
• Enforcing limits with your screen time and devices

These methods will help you avoid popcorn brain syndrome.