Rejuvenate your brain by a decade: scientists reveal what you need to do with your phone to achieve this.

In an era where smartphones have become indispensable companions for many, a recent study revealed that simply disabling mobile internet access can lead to significant improvements in mental health and focus. In the long term, it may also protect against various cognitive impairments for years to come, reports StudyFinds.

Researchers from various universities in the U.S. and Canada conducted a month-long study involving 467 iPhone users, with an average age of 32, to investigate how reducing internet access affects everyday life. Participants installed an app that blocked mobile internet but still allowed phone calls and text messages, enabling essential communication without the constant distractions of the web.

The results, published in the journal PNAS Nexus, surprised the study's authors. After two weeks without mobile internet, participants reported improvements in well-being and mental health that surpassed those typically observed even with antidepressant use. Additionally, attention tests showed enhancements comparable to reversing a decade of age-related cognitive decline. These findings suggest that constant access to mobile internet may disrupt our natural ability to concentrate.

Behavioral changes accompanied this boost in mental health. Without the temptation of endless scrolling, individuals spent more time engaging in face-to-face interactions, exercising, and enjoying outdoor activities—behaviors that further enhance mental health and cognitive functions. Notably, 91% of participants experienced improvements in at least one key area of well-being.

Moreover, even those who did not fully adhere to the two-week mobile internet ban showed positive changes, indicating that even partial reductions in use can be beneficial. This finding led researchers to suggest that less extreme measures, such as time-limited internet blocking, may still provide significant advantages despite seeming radical.

The study also found that the most substantial improvements were observed in individuals with a high level of "fear of missing out" (FOMO), challenging the notion that constant internet connectivity alleviates anxiety.

Fear of missing out (FOMO) is a psychological phenomenon where individuals experience anxiety or worry about missing social events, experiences, or important news, especially those visible on social media. It arises from the belief that others are enjoying these experiences while they are left out, leading to compulsive engagement in online life. Research indicates that constant digital connectivity can exacerbate FOMO, increasing stress and dissatisfaction rather than providing relief.

Despite only 25% of participants completing the full two-week mobile internet ban, the overall positive results suggest that intentional reductions in mobile internet usage can enhance well-being, mental health, and focus.

Lead author of the study Adrian Ward, an assistant professor of marketing at the University of Texas at Austin, noted: "Our main question was whether we are adapted to constant connectivity to everything and everyone. The data suggests we are not." Thus, consciously limiting access to mobile internet, even temporarily, may serve as a simple yet effective strategy for improving various aspects of mental health, daily functioning, and long-term well-being.

This material is for informational purposes only and does not contain advice that may affect your health. If you are experiencing issues, please consult a specialist.