Digital Dependency and the Human Mind: Cognitive and Psychological Transformation
Author : Dr. N Sasikumar and J Alangaram
Abstract :
The rapid proliferation of digital technologies has profoundly altered cognitive processes and psychological well-being across age groups. Continuous exposure to smartphones, social media, and digital platforms has been associated with a spectrum of cognitive transformations, ranging from attention fragmentation and reduced memory retention to emotional dysregulation and increased susceptibility to mental health disorders. Recent research indicates that smartphone dependency correlates with structural and functional neural changes, particularly in areas linked to reward processing and executive functioning. Adolescents and young adults appear especially vulnerable, as excessive screen time is linked to increased depression, anxiety, sleep disruption, and lowered cognitive performance. Emerging sociolinguistic trends, such as “brain rot,” highlight how digital immersion is reshaping cognitive habits and cultural expressions. Restricting smartphone use has shown measurable improvements in neural activity, mood, and cognitive engagement. This paper synthesizes interdisciplinary evidence to explore how digital dependency is reshaping human cognition and psychology, offering implications for education, mental health interventions, and digital well-being strategies.
Keywords :
Digital Dependency, Psychological Transformation, Smartphone Use, Mental Health, Social Media and Neural Plasticity.
