Expert explains 'popcorn brain' issue that she says almost everyone is suffering from
Have you ever had a really important deadline coming up and despite the time crunch, you just can’t seem to put TikTok down?
Or, perhaps you’ve gone to the pub with your mates, and neither you nor they can concentrate on anything either of you are saying.
If you’ve experienced either of those situations then you may be suffering from a phenomenon called ‘popcorn brain’.
The term was originally coined by David Levy, a quality-of-life researcher and professor emeritus at the University of Washington Information School, in 2011.
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Levy used it in an interview to describe modern individuals’ lack of focus due to their dependency on digital media.
Below, we’ve outlined exactly what experts believe ‘popcorn brain’ is, the typical signs you exhibit and how you can begin lengthening your attention span again.
What is ‘popcorn brain’?
“‘Popcorn brain’ is this idea that, like popping popcorn, our thoughts are scattered,” clinical psychologist and yoga therapist Leslie Daly told Women’s Health.
“Because of all the media we're consuming and the time we're spending on internet-driven tasks, we're having a harder time staying focused. We're feeling like our mind is floating all over the place.”
Her sentiment has been echoed by Dr. Aditi Nerurkar, a global public health expert who appeared on Steven Bartlett’s popular Diary of a CEO podcast.
“Most people have popcorn brain,” she confessed to the Social Chain co-founder. “Popcorn bran is a biological phenomenon coined by a man named Doctor Levy, a psychologist. “It is essentially your brain circuitry starting to pop based on overstimulation. So it’s not like your brain is actually popping but that sensation of ‘popcorning’.
During the episode, titled "The Mental Health Doctor: Sitting Is Increasing Your Anxiety!, Your Phone Is Destroying Your Brain, You May Have ‘Popcorn Brain'," Dr Nerukar went on to say that she understands social media and websites are ‘hard to disengage’ from and sympathized with how ‘difficult’ it was to live offline.
“Popcorn Brain is an affliction that nearly every single person has right now,” she admitted. “Think about what you do when you’re waiting in line at the grocery store. You’re not just letting your brain wander pondering things, you are on your phone.”
What are the typical signs of ‘popcorn brain’?
Clinical health psychologist Jennifer Wolkin has stated that popcorn brain looks different to everyone and that its intensity may depend on how often you consume media.
How stimulating the media is and your multitasking habits can both play a factor too, but regardless, there are some clear signs that you’re suffering.
Wolkin told Women’s Health that scattered thoughts and frequently feeling distracted is a clear indication that your brain is ‘popping’.
Feeling exhausted mentally, having a disinterested in others and jumping from conversation topics are all signs that it may be time to quit your doom-scrolling habit.
Medical practitioners recommend you seek professional advice if you’re exhibiting physical symptoms, such as headaches and eye strains, as well as feeling lonelier than usual or suffering from sadness.
How to manage ‘popcorn brain’
If any of the typical ‘popcorn brain’ signs have hit home, then you’ll be pleased to know there are tried-and-tested ways of managing it.
One of the main ways is to reduce your digital media usage and take regular screen breaks, while Real Simple recommends you utilize the Pomodoro Technique to help you focus on a single task for longer.
Clinical psychologist Sanam Hafeez says regular physical exercise can help you recover from the effects of excessive phone use.
“Engaging in activities that challenge cognitive abilities, such as puzzles, learning new skills, or engaging in intellectually stimulating conversations, can help improve attention span and cognitive function,” she adds.
Other recommended steps include setting up tech-free zones in your apartment and working on regulating your nervous system with sauna stints and mindful eating.
If you're experiencing distressing thoughts and feelings, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is there to support you. They're open from 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year. Their national number is 0800 58 58 58 and they also have a webchat service if you're not comfortable talking on the phone.
Topics: Health, Mental Health
Ella Scott