How your parents’ tech habits could help protect their brain
By Ryan General
A comprehensive meta-analysis published in Nature Human Behaviour indicates that regular use of digital technology is associated with a significantly reduced risk of cognitive decline in adults aged 50 and older. The study, conducted by researchers from Baylor University and the University of Texas at Austin, found that individuals engaging with devices such as smartphones, computers and the internet experienced a 58% lower risk of cognitive impairment compared to less frequent users.
- What researchers found: The analysis of 57 studies with over 411,000 participants found that the benefits of tech use held steady even when accounting for education, income and baseline cognition. The findings challenge the “digital dementia” hypothesis, which suggests that prolonged digital device use may harm cognitive function. Instead, the study supports the “technological reserve” hypothesis — that engaging with digital tools can foster cognitive resilience.
- Why it matters: With widespread device ownership and high broadband access, Asian American adults show the highest overall digital engagement. Pew Research Center’s 2024 tech-adoption survey found that 95% of Asian Americans own a smartphone — the highest among all major racial and ethnic groups — compared to 91% of white, 93% of Hispanic and 87% of Black adults. Additionally, 84% of Asian Americans subscribe to home broadband, surpassing 83% of white, 75% of Hispanic and 68% of Black households.
- Addressing misconceptions: Michael Scullin, co-author of the study and associate professor of psychology and neuroscience at Baylor University, said the findings counter popular fears about technology’s impact on aging brains. “There was no credible evidence from the longitudinal studies, or the meta-analysis as a whole, for widespread digital ‘brain drain’ or ‘digital dementia’ as a result of general, natural uses of digital technology,” he wrote.
- Active use matters: Researchers stress that meaningful tech use — like messaging, planning or information-seeking — is more beneficial than passive scrolling. They also call for further study into how tech habits shape long-term cognitive outcomes. Tasks such as learning new software or troubleshooting devices require problem-solving and adaptability, which may help maintain cognitive functions. Digital tools also support social connection and information access, both of which contribute to cognitive health.
This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter — a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices.
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