What science says about the mental health effects of excessive screen time
By
Kathryn Hulick
Summary
This article examines the scientific evidence behind the concept of "brain rot" from excessive digital device use. It references multiple recent studies (2025-2026) published in peer-reviewed journals like the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, Pediatrics Open Science, and JAMA. The research covers associations between problematic screen use in early adolescents and mental health issues, sleep problems, and substance use; links between digital media and ADHD symptoms in children; and smartphone use patterns during school hours among U.S. youth. The article presents emerging scientific evidence that overusing digital devices can be harmful, particularly to mental health, while critically examining whether being overly online truly causes cognitive deterioration.
Source
Twitter / XWhat science says about the mental health effects of excessive screen timesciencenews.orgKey quotes
· 3 pulledJ.M. Nagata et al. Prospective associations between early adolescent problematic screen use, mental health, sleep, and substance use. American Journal of Preventative Medicine. Published online February 11, 2026.
S. Nivins et al. Digital media, genetics, and risk for ADHD symptoms in children: A longitudinal study. Pediatrics Open Science. Vol. 2, January 16, 2026.
J.M. Nagata et al. Smartphone use during school hours by U.S. youth in the adolescent brain cognitive development study. JAMA. Vol. 335, January 5, 2026.
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