Popcorn Brain: How Being Always Online is Sabotaging Your Focus And How to Take Back Control

Popcorn Brain, the new term, is making the rounds on the internet and creating hype among people. But what is it? Why is it so hyped, and how is it related to you? Don't need to panic and start searching here and there. Let us help you ease the term for you.

If you find it hard to concentrate on a single thought or task. You sit down to work on something important, but your hand reaches for the phone every five minutes. Feel like your brain is constantly popping with distractions, like a bag of microwave popcorn left unattended? If you are nodding "Yes", you could be suffering from "Popcorn Brain".

Worry not because you are not alone at all.

Popcorn Brain???

Wondering what this is now? First of all, let us make it very clear that it is not just random slang but is a real phenomenon in the world of psychology. Don't give your already lost in thousands of thoughts mind another task; let us break it down for you.

What is Popcorn Brain?

Popcorn Brain refers to the condition when you feel constantly distracted or have a short attention span, often due to excessive exposure to social media. So, if you couldn't resist checking your phone over and over again, it could be because of the condition. Just like popcorn pops rapidly, our brains also jump from one thing to another and won't let you focus on a single task for an extended period. We understand you could relate to it, but trust us, you are not at all alone. It is the condition of every second person around you. The world of social media has absorbed us so much into it that we can't refrain from checking yet another reel or downloading another app for some random task. However,it affects productivity, leading to poor performance and decreased quality of life.

So, what is the solution? What should one do? Most importantly, how do you know if you are suffering from "Popcorn Brain"? And how it can impact you and your family.

First thing first, if you see the following symptoms, you might be suffering from the Popcorn Brain. Such signs are:

• Frequent distractions by digital devices
• Difficulty sustaining on one thought or a task
• Constantly switching between activities
• Get easily distracted by even a single notification
• Check your phone or social media more often and frequently
• Feeling mentally exhausted

While checking the phone so often sounds normal, it could be more than just a bad habit. And it can also impact your kids. This is not just what we are saying; a recent survey conducted by the Institute of Opinion and Marketing Studies in France in 2023 revealed that 65% of parents believe the use of screens negatively influences their kids' development.

Parents reported observing behavioral changes in their children, such as attention disorders, hyperactivity, and sleep problems.

The digital media or the internet has already taken over our lives. So, what exactly should we do, and how can we tackle it? Scroll down to learn ways to manage them.

How to tackle with Popcorn Brain?

Keeping a distance from social media and the online world once and always is not possible every time and for everyone. Here are a few tips or suggestions that can help. Such as:

• Try to turn off unnecessary notifications from non-essential apps, it will minimize your distraction and help you concentrate better on other tasks.
• Time-bound yourself. What we meant is to allocate a specific time period for checking social media, like taking only a few minutes after 3-4 hours. We understand it could be hard initially, but with time, you'll get habitual of the same.
• Make a habit of leaving your phone at least one hour before bedtime and one hour after waking up. You can also keep it away from your bed so that you don't rush to grab it after a while.
• Get indulged in hobbies that can divert your mind and help you make the most of your free time.
• Give yourself a break from mindless scrolling or use screen time apps to set a limit on usage and help prevent overuse.
• Instead of reaching out to the phone for every second thing, try to spend some time in nature or with your family.
• Switch phone scrolling with some physical activities that can keep you physically active and mentally refreshed.

While these changes may sound easier said than done, they are not at all impossible. With zest for ensuring mindfulness and good mental health for yourself and your kids, you can make it possible. Start with small steps, and eventually, they will promise significant results.

However, if you find managing your phone or internet usage difficult, don't hesitate to seek professional help.