[Herald Economics = Reporter Jang Yeon-joo] A study reveals that if you block and refrain from using the internet on your mobile phone for two weeks, your brain age can become as much as 10 years younger, attracting attention.
On the 1st (local time), the UK’s Daily Mail introduced a study from Canada, which found that turning off a mobile phone’s internet for two weeks could make the brain age 10 years younger.
This study was conducted with 400 adults, where researchers asked participants to download an application that blocks the internet on their phones. However, they were allowed to make phone calls and send text messages.
As a result, participants showed significantly improved sustained attention, equating to the focus of someone 10 years younger than their actual age, and 90% reported improved mental health.
The researchers explained that this effect is much greater than what is expected from taking antidepressants for two weeks.
Regarding this, the researchers stated that the change in the brain is likely due to a shift in how people spend their time.
The research team also found that during the study period, the time spent looking at phone screens was nearly halved. In one group, screen time was reduced from an average of 5 hours and 14 minutes a day to 2 hours and 41 minutes.
In light of this, the researchers explained, “Despite the many benefits offered by mobile internet, reducing connectivity to the digital world can bring about significantly positive effects.”
They added, “This study provides evidence that blocking internet use on mobile phones for two weeks can significantly improve objectively measured abilities to maintain mental health and attention.”
However, the researchers noted, “The study results involve a sample of people willing to reduce smartphone usage,” and added, “There are limits to generalizing these findings due to individual motivation differences.”