Does digital dementia exist?

In recent years, various mobile communication devices such as smartphones are becoming increasingly popular. Because of the convenience brought by such devices, they are apparently becoming indispensable. However, several studies have indicated that these devices have detrimental effects on our cognitive abilities; some studies have described this phenomenon as digital dementia (DD). Media multitasking and the heavy use of mobile devices are suggested as some factors causing DD. Nevertheless, evidence linking the overuse of mobile devices and DD remains scarce. This study was conducted to elucidate the existence and possible causes of DD using crowdsourcing, which facilitates recruitment of numerous study participants. We investigate the usage of information devices and cognitive ability. Via crowdsourcing, one thousand study participants were recruited. Results suggest that the age when one begins using mobile devices as well as the heavy usage of those are potential factors leading to cognitive decline. We want to sound the alarm on the use of mobile terminals, which might cause severe disorder.