The term Popcorn Brain describes a problem where you struggle to focus on a single task for an extended period of time. Popcorn Brain is caused by excessive screen time and doom scrolling on social media. With a constant influx of digital stimulation, our brains are changing how we process information. So many of us have become hooked on electronic multitasking that the slower paced life offline doesn’t hold our interest anymore.
Social media’s constant competition for our attention has caused platforms to shorten bursts of information, increase the stimulation they provide, and draw our brains toward the info. This type of info absorption leads to cognitive overload. Cognitive overload fragments your attention and overwhelms your brain’s capacity to focus on a single task.
There are many aspects of technology and social media that heavily influence a lack of attention. For example, instant gratification through likes and/or comments on social media activates our reward system triggering the release of dopamine which encourages more social media engagement. In addition, notifications, infinite scroll, and algorithms pull us back in, constantly stimulating and reinforcing this behavior. Lastly, the volume of digital info is never ending, which has turned us into passive participants in what we do, watch, or buy.
If you’re feeling discouraged after reading this– don’t be alarmed, there’s a silver lining! Thanks to neuroplasticity, the brain has a great capacity for change. Neuroplasticity allows for the formation of new neural connections, and the ability to strengthen existing ones. That being said, popcorn brain can be reversible. The improvement in focus/concentration won’t happen overnight, but in time you can rebuild your attention span.
Here’s what licensed professionals recommend for combatting popcorn brain:
- Adjust your screen time limits in your settings
- Pomodoro technique: Set a timer for 25 minutes of work followed by a 5 minute break. Increase the duration of your breaks every 2 hours. This will slowly build your attention stamina, allowing you to focus for longer increments of time.
- Tech free zones: cozy spaces inside or in nature where you don’t bring technology.
- Exercise your mind and body more often
- Seek support for more help
Check out this article for more info!