Something More Human

Digital Dementia


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Did you know Gen Zers will spend 19.2 years of their life on their phone? We might just be losing our minds to our screens, but there's something we can do about it. Digital Dementia is a real term coined in 2012 by neuroscientist Dr. Manfred Spitzer, which refers to cognitive decline caused by excessive screen use, often mimicking symptoms of early dementia like forgetfulness, mental fatigue, and attention issues. Doesn't seem possible that it could be happening to people in their 20's and 30's but it can, and it is.

Elliot admits he's addicted to his phone and shares a recent story about a lapse in memory that made him realize just how serious the problem really is. Sam and Elliot share their theory on connection being the antidote, and how spaces like The Company in Denver that are organically creating the kind of environment that can get us off our screens, help us to recover cognitively, and return to real life.

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Articles we discussed in this episode:

  • Understanding Digital Dementia and Cognitive Impact in the Current Era of the Internet
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