Constant scrolling through smartphone feeds can weaken memory and concentration, ruin posture, and impair balance in young people. These are the conclusions of scientists from Semmelweis University in Budapest, who studied the habits of students aged 18 to 35, according to infohub.kz.
The study found that the key driver of addiction is not heightened anxiety or a tendency toward depression, but rather poor self-control and the fear of missing out. About a third of participants spent four to five hours a day on their phones, mostly passively consuming content.
This pattern of gadget use places a serious burden on cognitive functions. The continuous stream of short videos and posts tires the brain, causing scrolling enthusiasts to perform worse on memory and attention tests than would be expected for their age. They also more frequently complained of sleep problems and impulsive behavior.
Prolonged staring at a screen positioned below eye level has physical consequences as well. Constant head tilting creates severe tension in the neck, which gradually alters the function of receptors that send information to the brain about body position. As a result, active smartphone users may experience problems with movement coordination and balance in everyday life.
At the same time, the researchers emphasize that completely giving up phones is not necessary. To reduce risks, experts advise turning off unnecessary notifications, limiting time on social media, avoiding gadgets before bed, and monitoring posture.