Researchers at UNC's Winston Center for Technology and Developing Minds are actively investigating the neurological effects of technology obsession on adolescent brains in 2025. Psychology professor Eva Telzer is leading seminars on the impact of technology on mental health, emphasizing the teenage brain's sensitivity to digital environments and the rise in mental health issues linked to social media use.
Studies indicate that excessive screen time is associated with negative emotions and declining attention spans. Experts recommend strategies such as tracking internet usage, disabling notifications, and setting screen time limits to help teens unplug from addictive apps. Prioritizing screen-free activities and reconnecting with the real world are essential for promoting brain health.
The UNC research highlights the shifting adolescent brain due to digital influence. Finding ways to balance technology use with real-world interactions is crucial for navigating the digital landscape safely and fostering healthy brain development in teenagers. The Center for BrainHealth is also holding BrainHealth Week from February 24-March 1, 2025, with events and activities to celebrate the brain's potential to get stronger.