What Is ‘Popcorn Brain’? Experts Weigh In on the Popular Term Used to Describe Trouble Focusing
Learn best practices for limiting symptoms and protecting your mental health
We’ve all been there: trying to focus on something only to have our mind refuse to cooperate and bounce all over the place. This is not exclusive to super involved tasks, either. Sometimes our brains seem to have minds of their own even when it comes to simple daily to-dos. Imagine doing the dishes only to remember halfway through rinsing that you have to wish a friend a happy birthday before the end of the day. Maybe while you’re crafting your message, you’re reminded that you need a gift for a family member, but while browsing online, you end up filling your shopping cart with other odds and ends. It’s even possible that at this point, you’ve forgotten about the birthday greeting, gift and dishes in the sink. You might have a classic case of what’s known as “popcorn brain.”
What is ‘popcorn brain’?
“Popcorn brain” is a term coined by neuroscientist and researcher David Levy in his 2005 book Mindful Tech: How to Bring Balance to Our Digital Lives. It was initially used to describe the feeling of being overwhelmed or unable to focus due to the rapid pace of information and sensory input of technology, explains Marcy Caldwell, Psy.D., Owner and Director of The Center for ADHD.
“Popcorn brain” is not a clinical term, but an analogy for a state of mind in which your brain jumps between one task or stimulus to the other in quick succession, similarly to the way popcorn kernels pop, explains Michelle Dees, MD, Psychiatrist at Luxury Psychiatry Medical Spa. The moniker encapsulates what is otherwise known as “cognitive overload” or “information overload,” she adds.
It’s important to note that experiencing “popcorn brain” does not mean a person has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Unlike ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder that has specified criteria for diagnosis, “popcorn brain” refers to a fragmented attention span and reduced focus that arises from excessive exposure to digital stimuli and multitasking, explains Dr. Dees.
ADHD usually begins in childhood, persists across the lifespan, affects all aspects of a person’s life and is largely genetic, adds Caldwell. Popcorn brain, on the other hand, is caused by external factors including overuse of digital inputs and it can occur intermittently.
Impacts of ‘popcorn brain’ on mental health
Anyone can experience “popcorn brain,” but those at increased risk include people who engage more frequently with various digital devices. Excessive screen time, frequent task-switching, jobs that require quick comprehension of complex information and pre-existing anxiety or stress-related conditions also make you more susceptible, notes Dr. Dees.
Symptoms of “popcorn brain” may include:
Difficulty concentrating
“Popcorn brain” often causes you to have trouble focusing on tasks that require sustained attention, says Caldwell.
“This difficulty is often due to the habit of frequently switching attention between multiple digital inputs, such as emails, social media updates and text messages,” explains Kubanych Takyrbashev, MD, Health & Wellness Advisor at wellness company NAO. “As a result, tasks that require sustained attention, like reading or working on a project, can become overwhelming and frustrating.”
Restlessness
A feeling of being unable to sit still or an overpowering urge to switch tasks frequently often arises during “popcorn brain” moments, she adds.
Increased distractibility
You may find yourself becoming easily sidetracked by incoming notifications or new information, Caldwell notes.
Memory issues
Challenges with working memory, particularly in retaining and recalling information due to constant interruptions from digital sources tend to occur with “popcorn brain,” notes Caldwell.
Impulsivity
You also may make rapid decisions before fully considering potential results, cautions Caldwell. This can be exacerbated by the immediate feedback received from social media, she says.
Mental fatigue
Consistent exposure to digital media and rapid information flow can leave individuals feeling mentally drained as well, says Dr. Takyrbashev. This type of fatigue isn’t necessarily linked to physical exertion, he says, but rather to the brain’s constant effort to process and keep up with multiple information streams.
Tips for dealing with ‘popcorn brain’
Thankfully, there are plenty of options to help manage “popcorn brain” and its symptoms.
Mindfulness practices
“Engaging in mindfulness meditation and grounding exercises can help enhance concentration, regulation and awareness, which can reduce overstimulation, reduce the effects of the popcorn brain and increase our ability to diminish our screen time,” offers Caldwell.
Structured schedules
Time management is also extremely helpful. Creating a routine that includes specific time blocks for work, leisure and rest can help manage distractions, she notes.
Physical activity
Regular exercise has been shown to improve mental focus, reduce stress, increase regulation and enhance overall well-being, says Caldwell, all of which will help the brain be more resilient to overstimulation.
Digital detox
Of course, since “popcorn brain” is largely due to digital overload, setting aside specific times to avoid using technology can help recalibrate attention spans, explains Caldwell. This can be as simple as plugging your phone in the kitchen at night or having a phone basket for mealtimes, she says. Limiting time on social media or notifications can help reduce the influx of stimuli as well.
Read on for more ways to boost your brain health!
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