California Health Professional Student Alliance (CaHPSA)

This paper examines the cognitive, emotional, and physiological effects of prolonged digital device use, revolving around the concept of digital overload. Evidence suggests that excessive screen exposure, particularly during adolescence, lowers the brain’s “cognitive-behavior-brain-reserve” and increases vulnerability to neurological dysfunction. Objective measures, including pupillometry and attention performance assessments, demonstrate how even inactive devices can disrupt focus. Conversely, active engagement, such as multi-user gaming, suggests a potential increase in sustained attention. Moreover, attempts at self-regulating screen time are often associated with negative emotional responses, anxiety, and stress, which further exacerbate cognitive strain. This body of research explores the pervasive impact of digital technologies on cognitive and physiological health while emphasizing the need for interventions that mitigate digital overload.