This article applies to all, absolutely all of us who are used to social media platforms, specifically.

In this article I am trying to address a specific concern related to our health and overuse of technology.

What is “Popcorn Brain”?

“Popcorn brain” is a term first used by David Levy in 2011 to describe the effects of too much information on the brain. It refers to trouble focusing, as thoughts “jump” from one thing to another, much like popcorn kernels popping in a pot.

For example, you might start cooking dinner, then begin doing laundry, and in between, check your phone for messages or social media.

This constant multitasking leads to mental fatigue, reduced satisfaction in activities, and difficulty concentrating. Trust me, it does!

Signs of Popcorn Brain

• Struggling to focus on one task.
• Constantly checking your phone or switching between apps.
• Feeling tired, distracted, or restless.

Studies show that people now spend less time focusing on a single task than they did years ago. For instance, in 2004, people spent an average of 2.5 minutes on one screen. By 2023, this dropped to just 47 seconds.

Physical Symptoms
Too much screen time can cause:

• Headaches
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Eye strain or burning
• Tiredness or hyperactivity
• Poor sleep

So how should you manage this Popcorn Brain
David Levy suggests simple ways to calm the mind and improve focus:

• Look out a window for a few minutes to relax and reset.
• Replace texting with phone calls to build better connections.
• Set limits on screen time, such as turning off devices two hours before bed.

Five Healthy Habits that can really help:

1. Spend time outdoors.
2. Finish one task before starting another.
3. Avoid mindless scrolling; use devices with a purpose.
4. Socialize with groups to reduce idle phone use.
5. Try meditation or calming bedtime routines.

By following these steps, you can reduce the impact of technology on your mind and body and popcorns are for enjoying in the movie theatre, not something that you turn yourself into 😀

Any additions / suggestions are welcome. I can be reached at mangesh(@)mangesh(dot)in