I remember the moment it hit me—I had spent more than an hour scrolling through Instagram, but I couldn't remember a single video I had watched. My mind was foggy, my concentration fragmented. Does this sound familiar to you? Then you are not alone. According to new research, our relentless screen use is making us stupid, impairing our memory, attention, and reasoning abilities. Is our tech addiction rewiring our brains in a negative way?

We are living in an era where information has never been more accessible. With a touch of a screen, we can get answers to nearly any question, watch an unlimited amount of entertainment, and be connected to a worldwide community of individuals. Instead of making us smarter and more intellectually competent, however, studies indicate that this ubiquitous digital presence is degrading our mental capacities. The same technology created to make us smarter could be dumbing us down.

Every generation carries its own distinct traits. Baby boomers resist change, Gen X is skeptical, millennials have been criticized for a lack of work ethic, and Gen Z has grown up glued to screens. Unlike previous generations, today's young adults and children have no memory of life before the internet. The constant bombardment of notifications, social media updates, and quick-hit entertainment has significantly altered how we think, communicate, and learn.

Is this an Attention Crisis?

Years ago, humans practiced deep reading, debate, and problem-solving. Today, the capacity for long periods of sustained attention is in sharp decline. Bite-sized videos, swift tweets, and clickbait headlines are conditioning our minds to want to receive quick, surface-level engagements rather than profound understanding. Research suggests that our attention spans have drastically decreased, with most individuals unable to sustain attention on activities demanding sustained cognitive activity. Critical thinking and reasoning capabilities are thereby eroding.

An increasing body of research points to a disturbing trend: levels of intelligence, as tested by IQ and other mental abilities, are falling in most developed countries. A study released in The Financial Times reported a consistent decline in reading, math, and science test scores among 15-year-olds in rich countries. Disconcertingly, cognitive difficulties are not confined to adolescents. The same patterns have been seen among adults of many different ages and imply that technology's influence penetrates far more deeply than into adolescence.

Excessive use of social media has been connected in one study with symptoms that mirror ADHD, even in adult individuals who have no clinical diagnosis. Another study concluded that long-term internet addiction might actually change the structure of the brain, especially in those regions that relate to memory, attention, and emotion control. The more individuals rely on search engines and computers to think for them, the less capacity they have to memorize and to deal with sophisticated problems.

Social Media and the Illusion of Intelligence

Social media, crafted to produce high levels of engagement and profits, are built upon algorithms that are optimized to reward sensationalism and instant gratification. As a result, there has been an atmosphere of easily spread misinformation, loss of nuance, and shallow debate as opposed to meaningful discussion among users. Being continually exposed to bites of information dismantles our capacity to synthesize knowledge and be independent in thought.

Flipping through TikTok, Instagram, or X (formerly Twitter) for several hours might give some entertainment but is not helping us become intelligent at all. To the contrary, the high-speed switching among posts weakens the capacity for retention of information. The behavior of mindless reception of social media content habituates the brain into expecting instant rewards, enhancing the short span of attention and lower tolerance for rigorous thinking.

Physical and Psychological Costs of Screen Addiction

In addition to intellectual loss, too much screen time impacts mental and emotional health. Studies show that extended screen exposure leads to higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. The constant stream of notifications and social media interactions keeps our brains in hyperarousal, and it becomes challenging to unwind and manage emotions well.

Moreover, our smartphone dependency has diminished our face-to-face interactions, dampening our social cue reading skills, relationships, and deep conversations. Social skills once acquired through real human interactions are now being substituted with emoji-based communication and short texting, curtailing our emotional intelligence and empathy.

Illusion of Connectivity vs. the Reality of Isolation

One of the great paradoxes of the digital age is that despite being more connected than ever, people report feeling lonelier and more isolated. Watching influencers document their seemingly perfect lives on social media can create unrealistic expectations and a distorted sense of reality. Many people spend hours passively observing others instead of engaging in real-world activities that foster personal growth, creativity, and self-discovery.

How to Regain Your Intelligence and Mental Acuity

The better news is that although the trend is alarming, it can be reversed. Follow these steps to regain cognitive toughness:

• Restrict Screen Time: Establish limits for social media and entertainment screen time. Establish screen-free times, particularly at night and during meals.
• Read Deeply: Select books, lengthy articles, or comprehensive reports instead of brief, shallow content.
• Practice Mindful Consumption: Be mindful of what you read. Make education and critical dialogue the priority over scrolling for no reason.
• Build Memory and Problem-Solving Ability: Practice activities that push your brain, like puzzles, chess, or picking up a new language.
• Reconnect with the Actual World: Make in-person connections a priority, pursue hobbies, and get outside to rebuild mental equilibrium and emotional well-being.

Will We Adapt or Continue to Decline?

Technology itself is not evil; its effects are determined by the way we employ it. As long as we allow screens to control our mental routines, our intellectual capabilities will keep degrading. Yet by being deliberate in the way we engage with technology, we can take back our attention, cultivate deeper thought, and safeguard the intelligence that has driven humankind for millennia.

The question is: Will we let ourselves be passive consumers of online content, or will we reclaim control of our minds and intellect? The destiny of human thinking is in the hands of our choices today.

Just how people have pain tolerance and taste tolerance, some might also have different cold tolerance. Feeling usually cold isn't a sickness itself, but it can signal an underlying health issue. It could be related to your thyroid, the part of your brain that controls temperature (hypothalamus), or how your blood flows. Conditions like anemia, hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia, or anorexia can also cause it.

Cold intolerance means you feel much colder than normal, not just a little chilly. You might complain about being cold when everyone else feels fine, and extra clothes might not help. Sometimes, only certain parts of your body, like your hands, feel very cold.

If you suddenly start feeling unusually cold, and it doesn't go away, see your doctor. They will figure out what's causing it and how to treat it. Here are some reasons why you could be feeling this way.

Dehydration

Your body needs water to stay at the right temperature. If you don't drink enough water, you can feel cold. Water helps your body hold onto heat. If you are dehydrated, you might also feel dizzy, have a dry mouth, and feel tired. To avoid this, drink plenty of water. You can also get water from fruits, vegetables, and soups.

Blood Sugar Conditions

If your blood sugar is too high for a long time, it can hurt the nerves in your hands and feet. This is called peripheral neuropathy. It can make your hands and feet feel numb, painful, and cold. Also, if your blood sugar gets too low, you can feel chills. So, it is important to control your blood sugar. If you have diabetes, see your doctor regularly.

Low Body Weight

If you are very thin, you might feel cold more easily. This is because your body doesn't have enough fat to keep you warm. Your muscles also help make heat. So, if you have low muscle mass you will also feel colder. If you are underweight, make sure you are eating a healthy diet.

Lack of Sleep

When you don't get enough sleep, it can mess up your body's temperature control. This can make you feel cold. Not sleeping enough can also hurt your metabolism. Try to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Make sure your bedroom is cool and dark. If you still have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor.

Anorexia Nervosa

When someone has anorexia, they are very afraid of gaining weight. They might eat very little or exercise too much. This makes their body very thin. Because they have very little body fat, they get cold easily. They may also feel sad, have dry skin, and have trouble thinking. If you think someone has this problem, it is very important to seek out professional help.

Hypothyroidism

Your thyroid is a gland that helps control your body's temperature. If your thyroid doesn't make enough hormones, you can feel cold all the time. This is called hypothyroidism. You might also have dry skin, hair loss, and weight gain. If you have these symptoms, see your doctor. They can give you medicine to help your thyroid.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron helps your blood carry oxygen. Oxygen helps your body make heat. If you don't have enough iron, you can feel cold. You might also have pale skin, brittle nails, and trouble concentrating. To get more iron, eat foods like beans, chicken, and fish. Your doctor can also give you iron pills.

The way you act and certain traits that are unique to you, are what draw people to you. Whether it is the way you talk or meet people, or other mannerisms, your personality has a big part to play in how you are perceived. While your personality obviously has a lot of sway in your social life, there are many other ways it can affect your life.

Having a fun and inviting personality can be a bonus point for your personal and work relationships. People love interacting with you and generally enjoy your company. But could it also be a bonus point for your health? Personality and mental health go hand in hand, and there is research to prove so. Here are some ways ‘good’ personalities benefit you and ‘bad’ one negatively affect your health.

Optimism

If you're optimistic, you tend to see the bright side of life. According to a 2019 study published in PNAS this helps you live healthier and longer. Optimistic people have less inflammation in their bodies and healthier cholesterol. They also take better care of themselves by exercising and eating well. When you're sick, being optimistic helps you cope better and feel less stressed.

Conscientiousness

Being conscientious means you're organized, responsible, and careful. According to a 2013 Health Psychology study, people with this trait often live longer and are healthier. They make good choices, like exercising and eating healthy. They also go to the doctor regularly and follow their advice. This helps them recover faster from illnesses and feel less stressed.

Extroversion

Extroverts love being around people. According to a study published in the 2020 APA PsycNet, this social connection can help lower stress and inflammation. They tend to be more active and happier, which is good for their health. Even if you're shy, having close friends and family can keep you healthy. Staying active, even by yourself, can also help.

Openness to Experience

People who are open to new things are curious and creative. According to Social Psychological and Personality Science 2014 study, they're often happier and handle stress better. This leads to better physical health. Trying new things, like traveling or learning a hobby, can make you more open and improve your well-being.

Agreeableness

Being agreeable means you're kind and helpful. Berkeley Well-Being Institute explains that people with this trait have good relationships and less stress. They also tend to make healthy choices and handle stress well. If you want to be more agreeable, try being more compassionate and listening to others.

Negative Traits and Health Risks

Similar to how positive traits benefit our health, negative traits can trigger many issues. Many of these traits can arise due to mental health issues and you should not hesitate to reach out for help if you are going through them.

Hostility

If you're hostile, you're often angry and unfriendly. This leads to stress and isolation, which is bad for your health. High stress weakens your immune system and increases your risk of heart problems. Learning to control your anger and manage stress can help.

Neuroticism

Neurotic people worry a lot and feel anxious. This can lead to mental health problems and weaken your body. Constant stress from worrying can cause health issues. Learning to relax and think positively can help you feel better.

Emotional Suppression

Hiding your feelings can make you feel stressed and anxious. If you always bottle up your emotions, it can hurt your heart and weaken your immune system. It's important to find healthy ways to express your feelings.

Social Inhibition

If you're shy, you might avoid social situations. This can lead to loneliness and stress, which can cause health problems. Slowly facing your fears and getting help from a therapist can make you feel more comfortable around people.

Self-Centeredness

People who are self-centered only think about themselves. This can lead to loneliness and relationship problems, which cause stress. This stress can hurt your heart and immune system. Trying to be more kind and caring can help you feel better and have better relationships.

People have their own unique way of doing things, even sleeping. Having traits like snoring when you are sleeping, talking or mumbling occasionally is normal and not out of the ordinary.

When you sleep, your body is busy fixing itself and getting ready for the next day. Your brain also works to clean up and store memories. But, for some people, a part of the brain that controls movement can turn on while they're still asleep. This is sleepwalking. People who sleepwalk might walk around, talk, and even have their eyes open. They look like they're awake, but they're not.

The Cleveland Clinic explains that if you try to wake them up suddenly, they might get confused or upset. So, it's better to gently guide them back to bed. This helps keep them safe from getting hurt.

Sleepwalking isn't always like you see in movies, with someone walking with their arms out. Sometimes, people do normal things like getting dressed or trying to eat, but they might be clumsy. They could even try to do dangerous things, like drive or climb out a window. What's strange is that they won't remember any of it the next day. It happens during a deep part of sleep. It's considered a sleep problem, like sleep talking. It's important to know that people sleepwalking are not doing it on purpose, and they are not fully aware of what they are doing.

What Causes Sleepwalking, Can You Treat It?

Sometimes, sleepwalking runs in families, so it can be inherited. But it can also happen because of other things. If you don't get enough sleep or if you're really stressed, you might sleepwalk. If you hurt your head, that can also cause it. Drinking alcohol or taking certain medicines can also make it happen. And some sleep problems, like when you stop breathing for a bit while sleeping, can also cause sleepwalking. Kids sleepwalk more often than adults, and usually, they stop doing it when they get older.

If you only sleepwalk once in a while, you probably don't need any special treatment. The most important thing is to make sure your home is safe. Put away sharp things, lock the doors, and close the windows. If you're sleepwalking a lot and it's making you tired during the day or bothering other people, you should see a doctor. They can figure out why you're sleepwalking. They might suggest talking to a therapist to help with stress, or they might give you medicine to help you sleep better. If your medicine is causing it, they might change it. Also, having a good bedtime routine and not drinking alcohol before bed can help.