Noida psychologist shares how constant screen time is causing ‘Popcorn Brain Syndrome’ in teenagers and young adults

With display time at an all-time excessive, many children are consistently switching between apps, movies, and video games. This digital overload is affecting focus, reminiscence, and psychological well being. In an interview with HT Way of life, Dr Jaya Sukul, Scientific Psychologist and Founding father of Headspace Therapeutic, Noida, sheds mild on the rising “popcorn mind” syndrome and the way it impacts younger minds. (Additionally learn: Psychiatrist shares how late-night scrolling, nervousness and stress are fueling a sleep disaster amongst Gen Z ) Dr Jaya Sukul explains ‘Popcorn Mind Syndrome’ and learn how to reclaim focus in a screen-filled world. (Freepik) What’s Popcorn Mind?“Popcorn Mind isn’t your mind actually popping,” says Dr Sukul. “It’s the feeling of your neural circuits being overstimulated by fixed digital inputs. You could end up leaping shortly from one factor to the following, struggling to focus, and feeling stressed offline as a result of life appears slower than your on-line feed.” She explains that fashionable life, social media, and steady digital publicity have reshaped mind exercise. “Your mind craves novelty, and units exploit this craving, maintaining you in a state of hyper-alertness. Over time, this could drain your vitality, enhance stress, cut back focus, and even have an effect on sleep,” Dr Sukul provides. Dr Sukul highlights Popcorn Mind, a situation affecting focus and emotional well-being as a consequence of extreme display time.(Unsplash) Who’s affected?Whereas Popcorn Mind is mostly seen in youngsters and younger adults, Dr Sukul warns it is usually affecting individuals aged 30-45. “It’s not the identical as web dependancy,” she clarifies. “Web dependancy is a scientific syndrome that disrupts work, relationships, and every day life. Popcorn Mind impacts your high quality of life, consideration, and emotional well-being, nevertheless it doesn’t essentially spoil relationships or profession efficiency.” Signs to look at for embody: Irritability and anxietyTrouble sleepingDifficulty focusing or paying attentionFeeling hyper-vigilant or stressedLife offline feels boring or uninteresting To deal with ‘popcorn mind’, Dr Sukul advises creating screen-free zones, taking breaks from units, practising mindfulness, and consuming media deliberately.(Google Gemini) The best way to ease Popcorn BrainDr Sukul suggests a number of methods to reclaim focus and peace of thoughts: 1. Create screen-free zones: Designate areas in your house the place telephones and units aren’t allowed. 2. Schedule gadget breaks: Take intentional breaks from screens to reset your mind. 3. Observe mindfulness: Meditation, yoga, and respiration workouts can assist enhance focus and calm overstimulation. 4. Work in targeted bursts: Brief intervals of focus adopted by breaks improve productiveness. 5. Be intentional with media consumption: Ask your self, “Who’s in management, me or my telephone?” 6. Keep away from senseless scrolling: Passive searching actively overstimulates your mind and reinforces Popcorn Mind signs. “By consciously managing digital consumption and together with mindfulness practices, you possibly can reclaim your consideration, cut back stress, and enhance total well-being,” Dr Sukul concludes. Notice to readers: This text is for informational functions solely and never an alternative to skilled medical recommendation.