Is Endless Scrolling Making It Harder to Focus?
Did you know that constantly reaching for your phone may affect more than just how much time you spend online?
Every notification, update and short piece of content competes for our attention. According to Henrik Jörntell, repeatedly interrupting our thoughts with digital stimulation may make it harder to develop habits of deep concentration-particularly when this pattern begins early in life. This raises an important question: Are we giving our brains enough time to focus, reflect and simply do nothing?
Focus Is Something the Brain Learns
Our ability to concentrate develops through experience. When we spend time reading, solving problems, creating something or fully focusing on an activity, the brain learns that sustained attention can be rewarding. But constantly switching between short pieces of content can create a very different habit. Jörntell warns that if much of childhood is spent scrolling or in other constantly stimulating situations, young people may get fewer opportunities to practise deeper concentration.
Why Constant Scrolling Can Feel Exhausting
Social media, games and other digital platforms continuously offer small pieces of information that attract our attention. The problem is not necessarily that digital activities exist. It is the constant interruption. When a thought, conversation or activity is repeatedly interrupted by a phone, it becomes more difficult to stay deeply engaged. Jörntell also emphasizes that real-world activities-such as walking, creating something with our hands or spending time with other people-provide the brain with richer sensory information than simply looking at a screen.
We Also Need Time to Daydream
One thing smartphones have become very good at eliminating is boredom. Waiting for the bus? We scroll. Walking somewhere? We listen to something. A quiet moment? We check our phones. But periods when nothing demands our attention allow our thoughts to wander. According to Jörntell, this kind of daydreaming and reflection is important for creativity because it allows the brain to explore ideas and make new connections. Sometimes, doing nothing is actually doing something important for the brain.
Digital Wellbeing Is More Than Screen Time
Creating healthier digital habits is not only about counting minutes. It is also about protecting time for focus, sleep, creativity, physical activity and real-world relationships. At GameLimiter, we believe technology should be part of a balanced life-not something that constantly demands our attention. For families, healthy digital habits can mean creating clear moments for gaming and social media while also protecting time for school, hobbies, conversations, movement and rest. Technology should compete for less of our attention-and leave more room for life outside the screen.
Read the full study here