Rewired: How the Digital World Reshapes the Human Brain
Psychology Today
by Shirley M. Mueller M.D.February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Digital technology’s impact on the human brain is a double-edged sword, with both benefits and drawbacks depending on usage patterns. The article explores how frequent engagement with devices like smartphones, computers, and video games can rewire neural circuits, affecting attention, emotional intelligence, and even reward pathways in ways that resemble addiction. While young people, particularly Gen Z, may appear to multitask effortlessly, their brains are adapting to fragmented attention, often at the expense of sustained focus and deeper cognitive functions. This raises concerns about how digital engagement might reshape brain development over time.
One key issue is the relationship between screen time and attentional control. Studies suggest that excessive digital media use correlates with symptoms similar to ADHD, such as distractibility and impaired concentration. The executive control network, which manages tasks like focus and decision-making, becomes conditioned to rapid switching between stimuli, potentially weakening sustained attention skills. This shift in cognitive processing can have long-term implications for learning, problem-solving, and emotional regulation, particularly during critical developmental periods.
Another significant impact is on emotional and social intelligence. Face-to-face interactions are crucial for developing theory of mind, facial emotion recognition, and social cue processing—all neural circuits that thrive on direct human connection. Excessive screen time reduces opportunities for these experiences, leading to declines in empathy and interpersonal skills. Research shows that limiting digital exposure can improve children’s ability to interpret emotional cues, highlighting the importance of balancing technology use with in-person interactions.
The article also examines compulsive tech use through the lens of addiction. Digital engagement often triggers dopamine release, similar to how substances or behaviors activate reward pathways. While “internet addiction” isn’t officially recognized, problematic patterns like preoccupation
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Originally published on Psychology Today on 2/24/2026