A single smartphone change may reverse brain aging by up to 10 years, study finds

There may be no magic pill for aging well, but science suggests one surprisingly simple habit could help slow the brain’s clock. A study suggests that disabling internet access on smartphones, even temporarily, could significantly improve brain function, with effects comparable to reversing brain aging by up to 10 years. In other words, cutting out scrolling, swiping, and mindless Googling on the go, while still allowing calls and texts, may help turn the brain’s clock back.

The research, published in PNAS Nexus on 18 February 2025, indicates that the cognitive downsides of smartphone use may stem less from calls or texting and more from constant internet connectivity and social media exposure.

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To test this, researchers observed around 400 students and working adults who were asked to use an app that blocked internet access on their phones for two weeks while still allowing calls and text messages. After the two-week period, researchers found marked improvements in participants’ ability to focus on a single task, a measure known as sustained attention.

According to the study, the improvement was consistent with brain activity typically seen in individuals up to a decade younger. The authors suggested the gains were largely due to participants spending less time on social media and more time engaged in face-to-face interactions.

The researchers noted that real-life social interactions provide a different and potentially more beneficial form of cognitive stimulation than online communication, which may be crucial for ongoing brain development and mental resilience.

Commenting on the findings, American celebrity doctor and psychiatrist Dr. Daniel G. Amen, who was not involved in the research, posted on Instagram, “This wasn't just a detox. It was a reboot. If your brain feels scattered, sad, or stuck, try turning off mobile internet for just two weeks. It might be the simplest, smartest thing you ever do because your phone should be smart but your brain should be smarter.”

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Participants also reported additional benefits, including better and longer sleep, reduced anxiety, and a stronger sense of being present. A follow-up analysis found that many of these positive effects persisted for months after the experiment ended.