Dr. Joe Q&A – Cell phones and dopamine
How Cellphones Affect Dopamine Levels and Meditation
A great question was asked about the impact of cellphones on our brains, particularly how they influence dopamine levels and our ability to meditate. (Dr. Joe)
Many of us, especially parents, wonder how constant technology use affects our children. As someone who has raised three kids, I’ve seen firsthand how they rely on their devices for information and stimulation. But here’s something to consider—if we can’t take a break from our phones, then they start to control us. Would you agree?
Social networks keep us connected, and we naturally crave community, culture, and interaction. However, it’s essential to use technology with discernment. If we don’t take intentional breaks—like going outdoors, hiking, or simply watching the sunset—we lose the ability to shift from a narrow focus (screen time) to a broad focus (real-world experiences). Research has shown that being in nature promotes alpha brainwave activity, which enhances relaxation and connection.
Now, let’s look at what science says about cellphones and video games. In one study, children were asked to play a video game, and every time a bell rang, they had five seconds to stop playing to earn a dollar. Not a single child was able to stop in time. This highlights how addictive technology can be.
When we receive a text message, pass a level in a game, or engage in online interactions, our brain releases dopamine—a pleasure and reward chemical. However, excessive stimulation floods the brain with dopamine, overwhelming its receptor sites. When this happens repeatedly, the receptors shut down or become desensitized, requiring stronger stimulation to feel the same level of pleasure. It’s similar to living with someone who constantly yells—you start needing louder and louder noise to pay attention.
Over time, this desensitization leads to anhedonia—the inability to experience pleasure from everyday activities. A simple walk, visiting a grandparent, or watching a sunset may feel boring compared to the high-stimulation digital world. This overexposure to dopamine-driven rewards makes learning less engaging, leading children to seek excitement elsewhere, sometimes through risky behavior just to feel something.
The long-term effects of this overstimulation are concerning. As these children grow up, they may struggle to handle challenges without seeking external stimulation. The key is balance—setting aside time for digital detox, engaging in real-world interactions, and training the brain to find joy in simple, meaningful experiences.
Would you agree that technology should serve us, not control us? Let’s take control of our focus, our minds, and our well-being.
