brainpower scans show that simultaneously using smartphones , laptops , and pad of paper ( all while keep an eye on tv set , probably ) may change the structure of your brain . Media multitaskers have lower gray-headed - issue denseness in sealed brain area compare to people who just employ one gimmick now and again , harmonise to astudypublished inPLoS Onethis workweek .
Previous studies have plant joining between high spiritualist - multitasking activity and pitiful aid in the face of distraction , along with depression and anxiety . Now , Kep Kee LohandRyota Kanai from University College Londonwanted to see how “ concurrent consumption ” of multiple media forms impact neuronal processes .
The duo recruited 75 adults , about 25 years honest-to-god on average , to reply a questionnaire about their usage of 10 different medium eccentric : photographic print medium , television , computer - found video , music , articulation calls using mobile or telephony , instant messaging , text messaging , atomic number 99 - chain armor , web surfing , and other estimator - ground applications . Then they scan the brains of 40 of the participants using functional magnetised resonance imaging ( fMRI ) , which measures brain bodily function based on blood flow .
They found that people who used a in high spirits phone number of media devices at the same time also had small gray-haired - thing density in the prior cingulate cortex ( ACC , spotlight below ) , a realm of the brain that ’s responsible for cognitive and emotional dominance functions .
“ Media multitasking is becoming more prevailing in our life today and there is increase business organization about its impacts on our cognition and social - aroused well - being , ” Loh says in anews button . “ Our written report was the first to uncover links between medium multitasking and brain structure . ”
The researchers have n’t apprehend down the mechanics underlie these changes , and while the new study sustain earlier determination , it ’s still just a link . “ Although it is conceivable that individuals with small ACC are more susceptible to multitasking site due to weaker power in cognitive dominance or socio - emotional regulation,”Loh total , “ it is every bit plausible that higher level of photo to multitasking position run to morphologic changes in the ACC . ” A long - term study is needed to unambiguously limit the direction of causing .
Images : Blake Pattersonvia FlickrCC BY 2.0(top , cropped ) , 2014 Loh , Kanai , PLoS ONE ( in-between )
