Three-day smartphone reduction changes brain activity, German study finds

ANBAR, Iraq — Researchers at the universities of Heidelberg and Cologne in Germany examined how limiting smartphone use to essential calls and work tasks for 72 hours affects the brain. The study involved 25 young adults aged 18 to 30. Participants underwent MRI scans and psychological tests before and after the restriction period. In the post-experiment scans, they were shown images of switched-on and switched-off phones alongside neutral objects such as boats and flowers. Brain activity linked to reward and desire showed changes resembling patterns seen in nicotine and alcohol addiction, the researchers reported. They linked these changes to the dopamine and serotonin systems, suggesting that smartphone use can carry addiction-like traits. Psychological tests did not show significant changes in mood or the desire to use a phone, though some participants said they felt better. The authors cautioned that further research is needed to determine the causes of the neural changes observed.