Tips for a digital detox when too much online information gives you ‘popcorn brain’

The struggle to focus because of information overload leads to stress, anxiety and isolation. A doctor shares tips for reducing online time

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Always online and finding it hard to focus on a single thought or task? You may have popcorn brain. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 4:15pm, 1 Jul 2024Updated: 8:44am, 2 Jul 2024

Do you notice how much harder it is to focus while constantly tethered to digital devices that leave you open to a relentless onslaught of information? Thoughts jump from one idea to another – not unlike the popping of corn kernels.

In 2011, University of Washington researcher David Levy coined the phrase “popcorn brain” to describe this condition.

Lately it has been popping up regularly on social media: a recent Instagram video from American podcast host, author and motivational speaker Mel Robbins on the subject has garnered more than 67,000 likes since it was posted on June 3.

Studies have long shown that prolonged use of phones, computers and social media can have a detrimental effect on how our brains process information and can significantly affect our attention span.

Dr Sonia Lal Gupta, a senior neurologist and director at the Metro Group of Hospitals in New Delhi and managing director of the Metro College of Health Sciences & Research in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, says popcorn brain occurs when the brain is overwhelmed with multiple thoughts and divided attention.