How Social Media Hijacks Your Brain: Dr. Julia DiGangi on Reclaiming Focus and Mental Fitness

Dr. Julia DiGangi reveals how social media and smartphones hijack your brain’s attention and explains the tools you need to train your mind, sharpen focus, and boost mental fitness. Watch now to take back control

Reclaim Your Focus: Dr. Julia DiGangi on How Social Media Impacts Your Brain / Everyday Warrior Nation

In Episode 723 of Power Athlete Radio, neuropsychologist Dr. Julia DiGangi joined me to discuss the challenges of living in a digital age dominated by screens and social media. Our conversation touched on how this constant digital stimulation impacts the brain, and the pressing need to develop sharper attention skills in today's world.

The Brain's Struggle with Digital Overload

Dr. DiGangi explained that smartphones and social media are deliberately designed to engage and manipulate the brain's dopamine systems. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, is heavily involved in the addictive loop created by endless scrolling, likes, and notifications.

“Our phones are incredibly taxing and addictive to the brain,” she said. “The way they’re designed makes them a constant draw for our attention.”

But this isn't just about distraction. It's about the toll that this overstimulation takes on the brain’s ability to focus and process information. As Dr. DiGangi pointed out, attention is the foundation of all cognitive abilities, from problem-solving to memory and relationship-building.

Why Attention is the Key to Everything

Dr. DiGangi described attention as “the mother of all abilities.” Without attention, nothing else functions effectively—whether it’s learning, retaining memories, or forming meaningful relationships.

“If you’re not paying attention in the first place,” she said, “you’re not going to solve problems. You’re not going to make connections. You’re not even going to remember anything.”

This highlights a critical issue in the digital age: when our attention is constantly pulled in multiple directions, our ability to truly engage with the world around us diminishes. In essence, the brain’s capacity to learn, grow, and adapt is compromised by the relentless demands of digital devices.

The Need for Mental Training

In today’s fast-paced and highly connected world, Dr. DiGangi emphasized the importance of actively training the brain to handle distractions and focus on what matters. She compared this to physical training, where consistent effort leads to better performance and resilience.

“We have to train the brain,” she said. “The days of passive learning and engagement are behind us. We need to sharpen our cognitive skills earlier and more intentionally than ever before.”

This proactive approach to mental fitness is especially important given that the natural, unstructured interactions that once fostered social and cognitive development are becoming less frequent. Whether it’s through mindfulness practices, deliberate focus exercises, or simply setting boundaries with technology, intentional brain training is no longer optional—it’s essential.

Looking Ahead

My conversation with Dr. DiGangi highlighted the need to balance our relationship with technology. While digital tools are undoubtedly powerful, they also come with significant risks to mental well-being and cognitive health. By prioritizing attention and training the brain to focus amidst distractions, we can reclaim control and thrive in the digital age.

Dr. DiGangi’s insights remind us that the brain, like any other part of the body, requires care, discipline, and intentional practice to perform at its best. As we navigate this ever-evolving landscape, her call to action is clear: it’s time to invest in our mental fitness and train our brains for the challenges of today’s world.