Not just entertainment, reels are also ruining brain health; this study is a witness

News Topical, Digital Desk : In today's time, there is hardly anyone who does not have the habit of scrolling reels on Instagram or YouTube. When we all come home tired after a busy schedule of the day, we definitely watch reels on mobile. It may give us happiness for two moments, but it is very dangerous for our health. Many times we think that we will watch Instagram reels or TikTok for just five minutes. But it is no less than poison for the mind.

It is not us who are saying this, but a study published in a journal named NeuroImage is saying this. On this, researcher Professor Qiang Wang of Tianjin Normal University has made a shocking revelation. He says that the same effect is seen in those who watch more reels as seen in those who drink alcohol and gamble.

Increased activity of reward system

This research found that watching short videos continuously increases the activity of the reward system (the part that makes us feel fun and happiness) in the brain. Along with this, the connectivity of the parts that control emotion, focus and body starts deteriorating.

The brain gets used to it

In simple words, reels make your brain habituated to repeated dopamine (pleasure chemical). Due to this, everyday pleasures like reading books, eating good food or talking to friends start to seem dull. Gradually the brain starts requiring fast, new and continuous excitement.

How do reels excite the brain?

Reels  are designed to keep you hooked. Every swipe, tap and autoplay gives the brain a small jolt of dopamine. The fast-cutting of reels and the habit of watching new content exhausts the part of your brain that is used for focus, making informed decisions and controlling emotions. If this happens for a long time, the brain slowly starts forgetting to enjoy itself.

The pattern is similar to alcohol or gambling addiction

Research has shown that this change is similar to the pattern of alcohol or gambling addiction. Reels affects the prefrontal cortex of our brain. The result is that it becomes difficult to concentrate on any work for a long time. Small details of conversation are not remembered. The control over the urge to do any sudden work (impulse) decreases.

has an effect on sleep

Watching reels late at night is also dangerous. Mobile light and videos do not give the brain a signal to rest. Due to this, the melatonin  hormone  is produced late and one has to face difficulties in sleeping. Let us tell you that lack of sleep affects the hippocampus (learning and remembering part) of the brain. This causes difficulty in remembering new things, processing information and thinking clearly. Gradually, after waking up in the morning, our brain starts feeling lethargic and there is fatigue throughout the day.

Tips to keep your brain healthy

• Set a timer in the app.
• Stay away from the phone for a while every half hour.
• Understand the need for sleep.
• Definitely do exercise.
• Focus on your hobbies.
• spend time with friends.

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