Studienergebnisse zeigen, dass intensives Fernsehen mit kleineren Gehirnstrukturen verbunden ist
Heavy TV watching associated with smaller brain structures, study finds
Studienergebnisse zeigen, dass intensives Fernsehen mit kleineren Gehirnstrukturen verbunden ist
Heavy TV watching associated with smaller brain structures, study finds
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A [study](https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/alz.71582) published recently in *Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association* revealed that those who reported watching TV “very often” in midlife later exhibited reduced volume in areas of the brain associated with memory, smaller frontal and occipital lobes, and areas of damage in the brain’s white matter that are associated with aging, stroke risk, cognitive decline and dementia.
The findings weren’t just due to TV viewing’s sedentary nature. The study found that other types of sedentary activities did not have the same associations, indicating that what one does while sitting may matter much more than previously thought. [Read our full summary. ](https://dornsife.usc.edu/news/stories/heavy-tv-watching-associated-with-smaller-brain-structures/)
a lot of people just turn on the tv then shut off their brains
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Now do heavy phone scrolling
What about having the tv on the background while scrolling reddit for hours until the tv shuts down ?
Apparently no one has asked yet so is this simply an association or does the study claim a causal link and if so in what direction? (I guess I will go read the article now which may answer it)
Edit: the paper seems to state that the observational nature limits causal inference, and also discusses some limitations of the observation which I only skimmed. However the article seems to suggest that there is a causal effect of more TV watching leading to smaller structures. I wonder if it could be the other way around though?
The boomers make so much sense now
Does what you are watching matter? My wife and I fire shows that are inane within an episode or two and gravitate to much better written shows for the long haul. Also no reality TV.
Well, that explains a lot
Who conducts/funds such studies?
Because if it’s just part of a job then they can fake it and claim that they have studied right?
Good think I drink alcohol to pre-shrink my brain. Nothing left for the TV to get to
Cries in Watched Six Feet Under four times.
Wouldn’t be different with TikTok
I image what kind of TV is a big factor.
TV is basically a simplified version of the world, so the brain can compress that down better, I suppose
What if it’s all the same series… and what if that series is *The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon*?
We will find this to be true for heavy doom scrolling as well. And it’s likely a positive feedback mechanism.
Also found, heavy escapism leads to less awareness. Which is also generally perceived as intellectual ability but maybe we are all just coping with the brutality of reality?
Just a casual here, but this study really underscores something crucial: it’s not just about screen time as a vague idea, but the *quality* of cognitive engagement. The correlation between heavy TV viewing and reduced grey matter, especially in regions linked to memory and critical thinking, aligns with neuroplasticity principles—our brains adapt to what we do most.
That said, it’s worth noting this is associative, not necessarily causal. Could it be that people predisposed to certain cognitive styles or with already lower engagement in stimulating activities gravitate toward passive TV? Future longitudinal studies controlling for baseline brain health and including detailed activity logs (streaming vs. interactive media) would be super valuable.
Still, a solid reminder to balance passive consumption with active hobbies, learning, or social interaction—your hippocampus will thank you!
That would explain why our country is in the shape it’s in. Every single American alive today grew up watching tv.
What about people that watch documentaries???
Now do heavy Reddit scrolling.
Just want to note that they did not do a baseline MRI scan for the study participants, and the article doesn’t seem to state HOW they controlled for other factors (lifestyle, activity, etc.). If they relied on surveys/self reporting then these findings are scientifically/statistically dubious at best.
Maybe I skimmed the article too fast, but I didn’t see anything about if watching the TV was the only thing the study subjects were doing while watching TV. I didn’t see anything about socializing with those watching with, doing some kind of chore or craft, etc while watching. Anecdotally I rarely just watch TV straight up, I’d be curious as to how that would alter the results.
Do they differentiate between content at all in the study?