Don't let your smartphone control your life: important restrictions for using a neurobiologist

Australian neuroscientist T.J. Power believes that for smartphone use to not harm health and mental well-being, it should not exceed three hours a day. He stated this in an interview with HuffPost.

According to the scientist, excessive use of gadgets increases dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter responsible for motivation, pleasure, and the feeling of satisfaction.

The expert explains that every time a person receives a notification, scrolls through social networks, or plays mobile games, this chemical is released in the brain. This causes a short-term sense of pleasure, but with constant stimulation, the dopamine regulation system "burns out" and starts to malfunction.

"I personally try not to spend more than three hours a day on the phone and strictly stick to this rule," Power said.

At the same time, as the expert noted, this standard does not suit everyone equally. He recommends not obsessing over screen time calculations, but instead paying attention to how the smartphone affects the quality of life.

"If the screen drains your energy, distracts you, or replaces live communication, you need to reconsider your behavior," the neuroscientist emphasized.

According to him, children, teenagers, and young people suffer the most from excessive smartphone use. They are more likely to experience problems with self-confidence, social skills, and learning ability. Adults are less sensitive, but they may also face inattentiveness, irritability, and communication difficulties.