Man who didn't look at a screen for two weeks explains shocking way it changed his life

Could our incessant smartphone usage be linked to poor memory? Scientists seem to think it’s the case.

According to Opal, the UK is one of the worst screen time offenders in Europe, with an average smartphone user spending around 5 hours and six minutes scrolling every single day.

To put that into perspective, that’s the equivalent of spending a whopping 28 per cent of your day doomscrolling on Instagram!

Imagine how productive you could be if you just stayed off your phone for seven weeks. One can dream, huh?

Well, that radical idea is exactly one which author and speaker Carlos Whittaker wanted to explore in the summer of 2022.

Carlos Whittaker detailed his results on The Dr John Delony Show. (YouTube/The Dr. John Delony Show)

The podcaster, who claims his purpose is to ‘bring hope to humans all over the world’, went without technology for two months a couple of years ago—and he’s recently revealed the results of the experiment on The Dr John Delony Show.

Instead of looking at screens, Whittaker chose to hunker down for seven-and-a-half weeks with his family.

Any time not with his nearest and dearest, he split between a monastery and an Amish farm.

And two months later, he claims his memory dramatically improved.

“My memory went from the 50th percentile of adult men in America to 99th percentile,” he told Dr Delony on his titular podcast.

“There was only 1 percent of men with better memory than me when I finished this experiment.”

Interestingly, Whittaker’s poor memory claims are backed by Stanford Center on Longevity.

According to scientific study results, it’s alleged that increased use of screens among adults may harm learning, memory and mental health.

Meanwhile, the Neurology Center For Epilepsy & Seizures states that a constant bombardment of information can overwhelm the brain, resulting in difficulties in processing and retaining information.

Like Whittaker, the experts advise implementing digital detoxes into our lives, incorporating brain-stimulation activities, and for people to do at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day.

But it isn’t just your brain that could benefit from cutting back time spent aimlessly flicking through your phone.

Putting your mobile down can actually help boost your self-image and esteem, writes WebMD. It can also help you be more productive and boost your sleep hygiene.

If you believe you’re a self-confessed phone addict, then there are some ways you can beat your obsession.

You could set Screen Time boundaries, try charging your phone in a different room at night, or even enrol on a course of Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), writes PsychCentral.

So, if you want to improve your memory, it may be worth locking your phone in a box and throwing away the key. Give it a try and let us know!