The impact of the digital revolution on human brain and behavior: where do we stand?

Exploring the Differentiation of Self-Concepts in the Physical and Virtual Worlds Using Euclidean Distance Analysis and Its Relationship With Digitalization and Mental Health Among Young People: Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Increasing observation and evidence suggest that the process of digitalization could have profound impact to the development of human mind and self, with potential mental health consequences. Self-differentiation is important in human identity and self-concept formation, which is believed to be involved in the process of digitalization.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between digitalization and personal attributes in the actual selves in the physical and virtual worlds.

METHODS

A community cohort of 397 participants aged 15 to 24 years old was recruited consecutively over about 3 months. Assessment was conducted upon the indicators of digitalization (smartphone use time, leisure online time, and age of first smartphone ownership), smartphone addiction, 14 selected personal attributes in the actual selves in the physical and virtual worlds, psychiatric symptomatology and personality traits. Euclidean distance analysis between the personal attributes in the actual selves in the physical and virtual worlds for the similarities of the 2 selves was performed in the analysis.

RESULTS

The current primary findings are the negative correlations between the similarity of the personal attributes in the physical actual self and virtual actual self, and smartphone use time, smartphone addiction as well as anxiety symptomatology respectively (P<.05 to P<.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The current findings provide empirical evidence for the importance of maintaining a congruent self across the physical and virtual worlds, regulating smartphone use time, preventing smartphone addiction, and safeguarding mental health.

Sex-dependent effects of early life sensory overstimulation on later life behavioral function in rats

Children today are immersed in electronic technology shortly after birth as they now begin regularly watching television earlier than they did in the past. Many new programs geared towards infants contain lots of lights, color, and sounds, which may constitute a form of sensory overstimulation (SOS) that leads to cognitive and behavioral changes in children and adolescents. Here, we examined the impact of early life SOS exposure on later life behavioral and cognitive function in rodents by exposing developing male and female rats to excessive audiovisual stimulation from postnatal days (PND) 10-40 and assessing anxiety-like behavior, social motivation, compulsive behavior, and spatial learning/cognition from PND 50-60. To evaluate potential SOS effects on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis function, levels of the stress hormone corticosterone (CORT) were measured at 3 timepoints (e.g., PND 23, 41, 61) post-SOS exposure. Sensory overstimulated males exhibited reduced anxiety-like and compulsive behavior compared to controls, whereas females exhibited reduced social motivation but enhanced spatial learning/cognition compared to controls. No differences in baseline CORT levels were found at any age tested, suggesting no impact of early life SOS on later life basal HPA-axis function. Our results demonstrate sex-specific effects of early life SOS on distinct behavioral domains in early adult rats.

Digital Device Usage and Childhood Cognitive Development: Exploring Effects on Cognitive Abilities

The increasing ubiquity of digital devices in childhood had outpaced the understanding of their effects on cognitive development, creating a significant research gap regarding their long-term impact.

OBJECTIVE

The present narrative overview explored the complex relationship between digital device usage and cognitive development in childhood.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive literature search across multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science, to critically assess cognitive domains such as attention, memory, executive functions, problem-solving skills, and social cognition. Incorporating over 157 peer-reviewed studies published between 2001 and 2024, we used strict inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure scientific rigor.

RESULTS

The review integrated empirical findings with established theoretical frameworks, particularly from cognitive development and media psychology, to highlight both the advantages and risks of early, frequent exposure to technology. The potential for digital devices to enhance cognitive skills, such as multitasking and information processing, was weighed against risks such as cognitive overload, diminished attention spans, and impaired social skills. We also examined psychological and behavioral outcomes, including identity formation, emotional regulation, and maladaptive behaviors associated with excessive screen time. Additionally, we identified strategies to mitigate negative effects, emphasizing structured digital engagement and parental involvement to support healthy cognitive and psychological growth. Our findings provided actionable recommendations for parents, educators, and policymakers, promoting optimal digital practices that enhanced cognitive development while safeguarding against potential harms.

CONCLUSIONS

The review offered essential insights for stakeholders in child development, education, and policy-making, highlighting the need for balanced integration of digital tools in childhood learning environments.

The Effectiveness of a MOOC as a Form of Professional Learning: An Examination of an Adolescent Learner Social and Emotional Well-Being Course

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) provide borderless opportunities to engage with content and ideas, with prospective participants from around the globe being able to easily register. The course featured in this study focused on the social and emotional well-being of adolescents, selected because of a recognized need for professional learning related to this topic. It was purposely designed for delivery as a MOOC and was designed as a 6h program around four topics to be completed over two weeks in asynchronous mode. It was delivered seven times from 2019 to 2023, with 32,969 individuals enrolled across these deliveries. The effectiveness of engaging in the course for professional learning purposes is of particular interest to this study. To that end, a convergent mixed methods study was conducted. First, quantitative and qualitative survey data collected at various course stages were examined to reveal the demographic characteristics of participants and their experiences in the course using data from surveys and comments about their experiences. The findings revealed, among other factors, that 65% were female, with just under half (47%) aged 45 years or less, nearly half (44%) held a bachelor’s degree as their highest level of qualification, and 48% were employed within the teaching and education sector. The most active learners were from Europe (48%) and Asia (27%), with active learners from a total of 178 countries. The course has a high course retention index, with 51% of learners completing 51% of the course and 8383 learners completing 90% or more of the course. The qualitative findings reveal the strongly positive experiences reported by the active participants. Secondly, we examined the effectiveness of the MOOC for participants’ professional learning needs by assessing the course using a framework with ten domains related to its core design features, modified for use by the course designers as a self-reflective tool. We found that the domains that scored the lowest were collaboration, interactivity, and, to a lesser extent, pedagogy. The study’s limitations include the incomplete data provided as part of the MOOC protocols, and the use of a self-reflection tool, which may inadvertently incorporate bias. This study points to these gaps in the data, including the need to access longitudinal data that go beyond a focus on the design of courses to extend to the impact and outcomes of the experience.

Cross-cultural adaptation, reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Smart Tools Proneness Questionnaire (STP-Q)

This study elucidates the cross-cultural adaptation, reliability, and validity of the Turkish version of the Smart Tools Proneness Questionnaire (STP-Q), designed to probe into individuals' engagement with smart tools within the Turkish cultural milieu. Undertaking a rigorous adaptation process, this investigation aimed to ensure the questionnaire's relevance and intelligibility, subsequently, assessing its psychometric properties within a cohort of 387 participants. The exploratory factor analysis revealed a tripartite structure that reflects the original instrument, covering utilitarian use, hedonic and social use, and the inclination to delegate tasks. This congruity underscores the STP-Q's adeptness in capturing the complex dimensions of smart tool interaction across various contexts. Demonstrated by a Cronbach's alpha of 0.954 and a test-retest reliability index of 0.851, the results affirm the questionnaire's exceptional internal consistency and significant temporal stability. Further, the execution of convergent validity assessments alongside the E-Learning Readiness Scale and the Nomophobia Questionnaire augmented the STP-Q's validity, unveiling correlations that delineate the intricate interrelations among smart tool proneness, e-learning readiness, and nomophobia. Conclusively, the STP-Q distinguishes itself as a reliable and valid instrument for gauging tendencies towards smart tool use among the Turkish populace, providing profound insights into digital behavior across different cultural backgrounds. Its confirmed three-factor structure and robust psychometric attributes render it an indispensable resource for both individual assessments and expansive digital behavior investigations, enabling cross-cultural comparisons and enhancing our understanding of technology engagement dynamics.

Understanding Digital Dementia and Cognitive Impact in the Current Era of the Internet: A Review

Dementia encompasses symptoms resulting from brain damage that impairs cognitive functions, surpassing natural aging effects. This condition affects emotional regulation, behavior, and motivation while preserving consciousness. Dr. Manfred Spitzer coined the term 'digital dementia,' highlighting the cognitive decline associated with excessive reliance on digital devices such as smartphones and Google, potentially exacerbating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and memory loss. This condition mirrors terms like 'digital amnesia' and 'the Google Effect,' highlighting the brain's tendency to offload peripheral information, leading to panic and forgetfulness. Spitzer's book, Digital Dementia, focuses on gaming effects on children and has thus popularized the term. Teenagers are known to use electronic devices regularly, correlating with rising cognitive impairments. The advent of the internet's fifth generation (5G) has transformed technology use, impacting mental health treatments and clinical practices globally. Digital media's influence on the developing brain encompasses motor skills, language, and cognition. Excessive digital media use in young adults correlates with lower cognitive empathy, affecting interpersonal understanding and facial recognition. Studies link heavy reliance on web-based media to decreased white matter integrity, crucial for language skills. Adolescents may be more vulnerable to anxiety and unrealistic expectations due to digital media overuse.  Digital media overuse impacts brain development, especially cognitive and inhibitory control, attention, memory, and reasoning, essential for adapting to dynamic environments. Early exposure to fast-paced media can impair motor skills, spatial awareness, problem-solving, and language learning. Neuroimaging studies reveal that environmental factors like screen usage affect brain networks controlling social-emotional behavior and executive functions. Overreliance on smartphones diminishes gray matter in key brain regions, affecting cognitive and emotional regulation. The internet generation, characterized by advancements such as Web 3.0, introduces artificial intelligence and semantic web technologies, reshaping digital content processing. The neurobiological basis of digital dementia involves changes in the brain structure and function, with excessive screen exposure linked to cognitive impairments. Neuroplasticity, or the brain's adaptability, plays a role in cognitive decline from digital media overuse. Early childhood and adolescent brain development stages exhibit significant plasticity, influencing cognitive trajectories.  Addressing digital dementia requires strategies to reduce screen time, promote cognitive exercises, and enhance awareness. Parents should regulate children's screen usage, encourage digital detox periods, and substitute screen time with other activities. Cognitive training programs such as Cogmed (Neural Assembly Int AB, Stockholm, SWE) and CogniFit (San Francisco, CA, USA) can improve memory and attention in older adults. Promoting balanced technology use and educating on the risks of excessive digital media consumption is crucial for maintaining cognitive health in the digital age.

Neuroimage analysis using artificial intelligence approaches: a systematic review

In the contemporary era, artificial intelligence (AI) has undergone a transformative evolution, exerting a profound influence on neuroimaging data analysis. This development has significantly elevated our comprehension of intricate brain functions. This study investigates the ramifications of employing AI techniques on neuroimaging data, with a specific objective to improve diagnostic capabilities and contribute to the overall progress of the field. A systematic search was conducted in prominent scientific databases, including PubMed, IEEE Xplore, and Scopus, meticulously curating 456 relevant articles on AI-driven neuroimaging analysis spanning from 2013 to 2023. To maintain rigor and credibility, stringent inclusion criteria, quality assessments, and precise data extraction protocols were consistently enforced throughout this review. Following a rigorous selection process, 104 studies were selected for review, focusing on diverse neuroimaging modalities with an emphasis on mental and neurological disorders. Among these, 19.2% addressed mental illness, and 80.7% focused on neurological disorders. It is found that the prevailing clinical tasks are disease classification (58.7%) and lesion segmentation (28.9%), whereas image reconstruction constituted 7.3%, and image regression and prediction tasks represented 9.6%. AI-driven neuroimaging analysis holds tremendous potential, transforming both research and clinical applications. Machine learning and deep learning algorithms outperform traditional methods, reshaping the field significantly.

Unlocking the potential: Exploring the opportunities for occupational therapists in cyberpsychology

It has long been established that occupational therapists (OTs) play an important role in assisting clients suffering from a variety of physical and mental health conditions. Cyberpsychology is a relatively new field in medicine that pertains to how technology influences people's mental health and behavior. It covers the effects of social media, online gaming, virtual-augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and other forms of technology on individuals. Among the known psychological phenomena arising from individuals' interactions with digital technologies are cyberbullying and technology addiction. This commentary explores how OTs in the cyberpsychology field can develop personalized interventions to enhance digital well-being and promote healthy technology use.

Educators as agents of breadth-biased learning: using social reconstructionism as rationale for embracing media multitasking and enhancing teaching practices in higher education

This perspective article contends that media multitasking has significant implications on cognitive control processes, particularly in how information is processed and utilized. Contrary to viewing media multitasking as inherently negative, the article argues that it contributes to the evolving nature of cognitive processing, without necessarily improving or degrading it. The discussion draws on theoretical frameworks from contemporary cognitive neuroscience to contextualize these arguments. The article provides a nuanced perspective on media multitasking, acknowledging its enduring presence and exploring its influence on cognitive processes, while also proposing strategies for educators to navigate its implications in educational settings.

Causal Relationships Between Screen Use, Reading, and Brain Development in Early Adolescents

The rise of new media has greatly changed the lifestyles, leading to increased time on these platforms and less time spent reading. This shift has particularly profound impacts on early adolescents, who are in a critical stage of brain development. Previous studies have found associations between screen use and mental health, but it remains unclear whether screen use is the direct cause of the outcomes. Here, the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) dataset is utlized to examine the causal relationships between screen use and brain development. The results revealed adverse causal effects of screen use on language ability and specific behaviors in early adolescents, while reading has positive causal effects on their language ability and brain volume in the frontal and temporal regions. Interestingly, increased screen use is identified as a result, rather than a cause, of certain behaviors such as rule-breaking and aggressive behaviors. Furthermore, the analysis uncovered an indirect influence of screen use, mediated by changes in reading habits, on brain development. These findings provide new evidence for the causal influences of screen use on brain development and highlight the importance of monitoring media use and related habit change in children.

The relationship between problematic internet use and attention deficit, hyperactivity and impulsivity: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between problematic internet use (PIU) and ADHD-related symptoms of attention deficit, impulsivity and hyperactivity.

METHODS

We chose a meta-analytical approach and searched for relevant studies in different databases (Pubmed, PsycInfo, Google scholar). We identified 24 studies with 18 859 participants (mean age = 18.40 (SD = 5.51)) published between 2004 and 2021 which were applicable for our research. We calculated 21, 7, and 9 effect sizes for attention deficit, hyperactivity and impulsivity, respectively.

RESULTS

We found significant associations between PIU and attention deficit (r = 0.36, 95% confidence interval = [0.28 to 0.43]), hyperactivity (r = 0.44, 95% confidence interval = [0.33 to 0.53]), and impulsivity (r = 0.41, 95% confidence interval = [0.30 to 0.51]), p < .001 for all three. The effect sizes of attention deficit and hyperactivity were significantly higher in male compared to female participants. Additionally, higher attention deficit effects were found in adults compared to children/adolescents.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis indicates that ADHD-related symptoms are associated with PIU. Although cross-sectional analyses cannot explain cause-and-effect relationships, we hypothesize that attention deficit, hyperactivity and impulsivity constitute a vulnerability towards PIU.

Screen Media Use Affects Subcortical Structures, Resting-State Functional Connectivity, and Mental Health Problems in Early Adolescence

The association between excessive screen media use and mental health problems has attracted widespread attention. The literature to date has neglected the biological mechanisms underlying such a relationship and failed to distinguish between different types of screen media activities. A sample from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development study was used in the present study to elucidate the longitudinal associations between specific types of screen media use, brain development, and diverse mental health problems. The results showed that different types of screen media use have differentiated associations with mental health problems, subcortical volume, and cortical-subcortical connectivity. Specifically, more passive media use was associated with increased rule-breaking behavior, while more video game playing was associated with increased withdrawn/depressed symptoms. In addition, more social media use was associated with a reduced volume of the hippocampus, caudate, and thalamus proper. More research is needed to examine the differential effects of screen media use on neurodevelopmental processes and mental health problems across adolescence.

The Impact of Hormesis, Neuronal Stress Response, and Reproduction, upon Clinical Aging: A Narrative Review

INTRODUCTION

The primary objective of researchers in the biology of aging is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the aging process while developing practical solutions that can enhance the quality of life for older individuals. This involves a continuous effort to bridge the gap between fundamental biological research and its real-world applications.

PURPOSE

In this narrative review, we attempt to link research findings concerning the hormetic relationship between neurons and germ cells, and translate these findings into clinically relevant concepts.

METHODS

We conducted a literature search using PubMed, Embase, PLOS, Digital Commons Network, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library from 2000 to 2023, analyzing studies dealing with the relationship between hormetic, cognitive, and reproductive aspects of human aging.

RESULTS

The process of hormesis serves as a bridge between the biology of neuron-germ cell interactions on one hand, and the clinical relevance of these interactions on the other. Details concerning these processes are discussed here, emphasizing new research which strengthens the overall concept.

CONCLUSIONS

This review presents a scientifically and clinically relevant argument, claiming that maintaining a cognitively active lifestyle may decrease age-related degeneration, and improve overall health in aging. This is a totally novel approach which reflects current developments in several relevant aspects of our biology, technology, and society.

Development and Validation of a New Gadget Addiction Scale (Screen Dependency Scale) among Pre-School Children in Malaysia

BACKGROUND

Excessive screen time in young children is associated with many harmful consequences including screen dependency. Research has shown a worrying prevalence of media-related dependency among adolescents and pre-school children. There are a few available questionnaires among adolescents but none for pre-school children. This study aimed to design and validate a questionnaire to assess screen dependency among pre-school children aged 4 to 6 years old.

METHODOLOGY

A cross-sectional two-phase study was carried out to develop the scale. In phase 1, a preliminary parent-report measure questionnaire was developed in Bahasa Malaysia. Later, it was sent to four experts for content validity followed by face validity. In Phase 2, a total of 386 parents of pre-school children aged 4 to 6 years old, split into two samples, were involved in the field study for exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

RESULT

Sample 1 was used to perform EFA to determine the factorial structure of the SDS. All items with a factor loading of >0.4 were included. Sample 2 was used to perform the CFA. RMSEA and CFI analysis showed that the SDS has a good fit and confirms the dimensional structure found via EFA. The final questionnaire consists of 15 items with a 4 factors' structure and has excellent internal consistency reliability.

CONCLUSIONS

The Screen Dependency Scale (SDS) is a reliable and valid questionnaire to detect screen dependency among pre-school children aged 4 to 6 years old in Malaysia.

Future of mental health in the metaverse

The metaverse and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) were some of the hottest tech terms in 2021, according to a Google Trends search. Our review aims to describe the metaverse and NFTs in the context of their potential application in the treatment of mental health disorders. Advancements in technology have been changing human lives at an ever-increasing pace. Metaverse, also known as the three-dimensional (3D) internet, is the convergence of virtual reality (VR) and physical reality in a digital space. It could potentially change the internet as we know it, with NFTs as the key building blocks in the new expansive virtual ecosystem. This immersive 3D virtual world boasts the features of the real world with the added ability to change the surrounding environment according to individual needs and requirements. VR, augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) have been employed as tools in the treatment of various mental health disorders for the past decade. Studies have reported positive results on their effectiveness in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. VR/AR/MR have been hailed as a solution to the acute shortage of mental health professionals and the lack of access to mental healthcare. But, on the flip side, young adults tend to spend a significant amount of time playing 3D immersive games and using social media, which can lead to insecurity, anxiety, depression, and behavioural addiction. Additionally, endless scrolling through social media platforms negatively affects individuals' attention span as well as aggravating the symptoms of adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

We aimed to explore the ramifications of expanding applications of the metaverse on mental health. So far, no other review has explored the future of mental health in the context of the metaverse.

Digital Twin and Cloud BIM-XR Platform Development: From Scan-to-BIM-to-DT Process to a 4D Multi-User Live App to Improve Building Comfort, Efficiency and Costs

Digital twins (DTs) and building information modelling (BIM) are proving to be valuable tools for managing the entire life cycle of a building (LCB), from the early design stages to management and maintenance over time. On the other hand, BIM platforms cannot manage the geometric complexities of existing buildings and the large amount of information that sensors can collect. For this reason, this research proposes a scan-to-BIM process capable of managing high levels of detail (LODs) and information (LOIs) during the design, construction site management, and construction phases. Specific grades of generation (GOGs) were applied to create as-found, as-designed, and as-built models that interact with and support the rehabilitation project of a multi-level residential building. Furthermore, thanks to the sharing of specific APIs (Revit and Autodesk Forge APIs), it was possible to switch from static representations to novel levels of interoperability and interactivity for the user and more advanced forms of building management such as a DT, a BIM cloud, and an extended reality (XR) web platform. Finally, the development of a live app shows how different types of users (professionals and non-expert) can interact with the DT, in order to know the characteristics with which the environments have been designed, as well as the environmental parameters, increasing their degree of control, from the point of view of improving comfort, use, costs, behaviour, and good practices. Finally, the overall approach was verified through a real case study where the BIM-XR platform was built for energy improvements to existing buildings and façade renovations.

Brand new norms for a good old test: Northern Italy normative study of MiniMental State Examination

AIM

Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is one of the most used tests for the screening of global cognition in patients with neurological and medical disorders. Norms for the Italian version of the test were published in the 90 s; more recent norms were published in 2020 for Southern Italy only. In the present study, we computed novel adjustment coefficients, equivalent scores and cut-off value for Northern Italy (Lombardia and Veneto) and Italian speaking Switzerland.

METHODS

We recruited 361 healthy young and old (range: 20-95 years) individuals of both sexes (men: 156, women: 205) and from different educational levels (range: 4-22 years). Neuropsychiatric disorders and severe medical conditions were excluded with a questionnaire and cognitive deficits and were ruled out with standardized neuropsychological tests assessing the main cognitive domains. We used a slightly modified version of MMSE: the word 'fiore' was replaced with 'pane' in verbal recalls to reduce the common interference error 'casa, cane, gatto'. The effect of socio-demographic features on performance at MMSE was assessed via multiple linear regression, with test raw score as dependent variable and sex, logarithm of 101-age and square root of schooling as predictors.

RESULTS

Mean raw MMSE score was 28.8 ± 1.7 (range: 23-30). Multiple linear regression showed a significant effect of all socio-demographic variables and reported a value of R2 = 0.26. The new cut off was ≥ 26 /30.

CONCLUSION

We provide here updated norms for a putatively more accurate version of Italian MMSE, produced in a Northern population but potentially valid all over Italy.

The infamous “Like” feature - A neuro perspective

With the recent rise of excessive use of social media and its damaging effects, there is an urgent need to systematically recognize how users behave towards the “Like” button, which has been considered the most toxic feature on social media. To date, scholars know little about the neurophysiological responses of users towards the ‘Like’ feature despite its pervasiveness. Thus, through the lens of cybernetic theory, this research measured user behavior towards the “Like” feature by experimenting with two neuro tools (i.e., electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) and electroencephalography (EEG)). Sixteen participants, allocated within three separate groups, completed a simple experimental task of ‘’liking’’ content. Unexpectedly, the findings revealed that participants who frequently and infrequently received “Likes” shared similar biometrics (i.e., high neurophysiological activities). Furthermore, this research raised concerns over the underlying AI algorithms related to recommendation engines/systems.

Relationship between Prosocial Behaviours and Addiction Problems: A Systematic Review

The relationship of addiction problems with other pathologies or with different problematic factors has often been studied by psychology. Positive psychology is also currently approaching to these problems and their relationship with positive factors, such as prosocial behaviours. The purpose of this research is to carry out a systematic review of the scientific literature that has studied this relationship from 1900 to 2020. After the screening process with the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 15 articles were selected. The main characteristics found in this relationship and the problems or limitations of investigations that have found relationships other than the mainstream, which show a negative relationship between prosocial behaviours and addiction problems, are discussed.