While it’s widely believed that modern technology — especially smartphones — poses a threat to public health, a new study has revealed the opposite, showing that technology may offer health benefits, particularly as people age.
According to a recent study reported by Science Alert and reviewed by Al Arabiya.net, deeper engagement with technology in later life could significantly reduce the risk of dementia.
Researchers in Texas analyzed data from 57 previous studies involving over 411,000 individuals aged 50 and above to explore the link between digital technology use and cognitive decline.
“You can turn on the news any day and hear people talk about how technology is harming us,” said Michael Scullin, a psychologist and neuroscientist at Baylor University. “Terms like ‘brain drain’ and ‘brain rot’ are often used — and now ‘digital dementia’ is emerging. As researchers, we wanted to find out how accurate those claims really are.”
The statistical analysis revealed that using technology was associated with a 58% lower risk of cognitive impairment. Moreover, regular technology users showed a 26% to 34% slower rate of cognitive decline over time.
However, Science Alert emphasized that the research does not prove direct causation, as each of the studies used different methods and measured technology use in various ways — from smartphone usage to social media engagement.
Despite these differences, the overall trend remained consistent even after adjusting for factors such as occupation, education level, and socioeconomic status. The researchers believe this connection is worth exploring further in future studies.
Jared Benge, a neuropsychologist at the University of Texas at Austin, explained: “Our data suggests that encouraging older adults to interact with technology — especially in ways that help them manage and adapt to cognitive challenges — could be an effective approach to supporting brain health.”
The researchers noted several ways in which technology may protect against dementia. Learning to use new devices and applications can stimulate the brain, while video calls and social media help maintain social connections — an important factor since loneliness is linked to a higher risk of dementia.
Technology also supports greater independence among seniors. For example, apps can remind users to take their medications or attend medical appointments.
Scullin adds, “If you have a parent or grandparent who prefers to avoid technology, it might be time to reconsider. Can they learn to use photo apps, messaging tools, or a calendar on a smartphone or tablet? Start simple and be patient as they learn.”
Source: Al Arabiya / Science Alert