The focus crisis: What’s happening to gen z?

For many young people today, the smartphone is the first thing they look at each day and the last thing they look at each night.

Although smartphones provide immediate access to the world, excessive use may be impacting the overall mental health of this generation, many refer to as suffering from “brain fog” which is an overall state of mental fatigue, disorganization (unable to think clearly), and lack of ability to concentrate.

For Gen Z, as the first full generation raised in the smartphone age, the impact of this phenomenon is apparent.

Around the world, generation Z has the highest amount of time spent using smartphones than any previously cited generation, averaging approximately 6 to 8 hours of usage a day with the majority being spent on social networking, instant messaging, and short form video applications.

In certain areas, the amount of screen time documented is even higher as surveys show that close to half of all Gen Z users spend 7 hours or more on screens when off of work or school.

The effects of constant notifications, incessant scrolling, and quickly shifting between applications illustrate how rapidly changing between tasks creates a method of multi-tasking which has been linked by many neuroscientists to impede the brain's capacity to focus for sustained periods of time.

This continuous reinforcement on the brain impacts how we retain information. Research has demonstrated that excessive interruptions from notifications can lead to a decrease of attention span and increase in mental fatigue.

The brain releases dopamine every time someone checks their phone. This increase in dopamine can create an addiction to the fast reward of checking your phone. Once an individual develops an addiction to the fast dopamine response of their phone, they may find it more difficult to pay attention to slower or more cognitively taxing activities (i.e., studying, reading, and problem-solving).

This inability to focus can lead to what many describe as having "brain fog" = difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and mental fatigue. Increased smartphone use can affect one's ability to sleep, and in turn, affect cognitive function. Surveys show that about 70% of Gen Z check their smartphones within minutes of getting into bed and many check their phones during the night for notifications.

The blue light emitted from the smartphone screen interferes with melatonin production, which leads to decreased sleep quality and prolonged periods of cognitive fatigue.

Researchers studying mental health also indicate that there is a strong link between heavy smartphone use and psychological stress.

A recent study showed that 40% of Gen Z individuals reported feeling mentally fatigued from being bombarded with constant digital information and social media updates. The pressure from feeling as though you have to be connected, respond quickly, and keep up with the constantly changing online trends creates a cognitive overload for individuals.

Since the brain is continually processing new content, it reduces the amount of time the brain has available to rest and consolidate daily learned information.

The overall recommendation of experts is not necessarily to eliminate smartphone use, but to develop healthier habits while using smartphones.

Suggested strategies to help reduce cognitive overload include: limiting screen time, turning off non-essential notifications, designating "phone-free" times during the day, and stopping smartphone use at least one hour before going to sleep.

Even short breaks from digital devices can provide the brain an opportunity to recover and improve your focus.

As smartphones continue to shape the world we live in, this issue regarding smartphone cognitive impacts will only become more critical.

For Gen Z, finding a healthy balance between digital connections and mental health may be one of the greatest challenges of the digital age. Without this balance, the convenience of being connected to everyone/anyone at any time may result in a lack of focus, clarity, and cognitive function.