Popcorn Brain: Is Social Media Ruining Your Attention Span, Concentration?

According to research, the rise of social media usage could be to blame for poor concentration.

Popcorn Brain

For those who feel overwhelmed by the endless pace of digital media and who are struggling to focus on one thought or task, it is possible that they have a "popcorn brain."

According to Dr. Daniel Glazer, a clinical psychologist, a popcorn brain refers to how focus and attention tend to quickly jump from one thing to another, similar to how corn kernels pop. The term itself is not new, as it was coined in 2011 by researcher David Levy from the University of Washington. Now, mental health specialists are revealing new ways to deal with the phenomenon as daily life becomes increasingly digital.

The Rise of Social Media

A study found that roughly 62.3% of the world's population is engaged in social media. Last month, the average daily usage was found to be 2 hours and 23 minutes.

According to psychologist Dannielle Hagi, too much browsing and scrolling through various engagements, alerts, advertisements, and posts could trigger a small release of dopamine. This rewards the brain and boosts the cycle.

Haig explains that, as time passes, this constant attention demand and the quick switch between tasks could result in mental restlessness as the brain tries to bounce around and ends up struggling to focus on a single task for prolonged periods.

A study conducted by the University of California at Irvine found that the average attention span for any screen prior to switching to something else is now 47 seconds. This went from 2.5 minutes in 2004 to 75 seconds in 2012, and eventually 47 seconds.

Glazer explains that some of the crucial aspects of popular applications today appear to be uniquely suited for scattering focus. Such constant digital stimulation is apparently impacting the performance of the brain.

How Social Media Affects Attention Span, Concentration

Studies suggest that the brain's neural pathways are rerouting or adapting in order to accommodate multitasking and quick information processing demands. This could come at the expense of having the capacity to thoughtfully and deeply engage with content. This may potentially affect emotional regulation, memory, and learning as time passes.

Haig warns that having a popcorn brain could negatively impact one's patient, social interaction, productivity, and emotional well-being. It could also boost anxiety and potential of getting burnout.

With this, how can the brain be protected? Dr. Glazer notes that, when it comes to solutions, having designated tech-free periods, consciously pausing in order to focus on a task, and deleting apps from time to time could aid in regaining control. The doctor notes that the key lies in intentionally approaching social media rather than allowing it to control attention on its own terms. Dr. Glazer adds that fostering tech-free habits and routines can allow the enjoyment of social media without having to destroy one's capacity for focus.