Noida psychologist warns of ‘Popcorn Brain’ from screen overuse

New Delhi: With screen time at record highs, many young people spend hours jumping between apps, videos, and games. This digital overload is harming their focus, memory, and mental health. In a conversation with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Jaya Sukul, Clinical Psychologist and Founder of Headspace Healing in Noida, discusses the rising “popcorn brain” syndrome and how it affects the younger generation.

What exactly is Popcorn Brain?

“Popcorn Brain doesn’t mean your brain is actually popping,” explains Dr. Sukul. “It’s when your brain’s neural circuits are overstimulated because of constant digital activity. You start hopping from one thing to another, finding it hard to focus, and feeling uneasy when offline since the real world feels slower than your online life. She adds that our modern habits, nonstop social media use, and continuous digital exposure have changed how the brain works. “Our brain constantly seeks new stimulation, and gadgets feed that craving, keeping us alert all the time. Over time, this drains energy, raises stress, lowers focus, and even disrupts sleep,” says Dr. Sukul.

Who does Popcorn Brain affect the most?

Dr. Sukul notes that this condition is most common among teenagers and young adults, but people aged 30–45 are also showing signs. “It’s not the same as internet addiction,” she explains. “Internet addiction disrupts work, relationships, and daily routines. Popcorn Brain mainly affects your attention, mood, and mental balance, though it may not completely damage your personal or professional life.”

Some common signs include:

Feeling anxious or irritable

Poor sleep quality

Difficulty focusing or paying attention

Always feeling alert or tense

Finding offline life boring

How can you manage Popcorn Brain?

Dr. Sukul suggests simple steps to regain focus and calmness:

Create screen-free spaces: Keep phones out of certain areas in your home.

Take breaks from screens: Step away regularly to refresh your mind.

Try mindfulness: Yoga, breathing, or meditation can calm your mind.

Work in short, focused bursts: Alternate concentration with short rests.

Be mindful of content: Ask yourself, “Am I controlling my device or is it controlling me?”

Avoid endless scrolling: It overstimulates your brain and worsens symptoms.

“By managing screen use and adding mindfulness to your day, you can regain focus, reduce stress, and boost overall well-being,” concludes Dr. Sukul.