The Impact of Smartphones on Our Brains: Insights from Séverine van de Voorde

Jan 30, 2025 - min read min read

In this episode of Virtual, Tim Verheyden and our co-founder Pieter Van Leugenhagen welcome Séverine van de Voorde, a clinical psychologist and expert in stress, burnout, and high sensitivity, to discuss the profound effects smartphones have on our brains. As a psychologist, Séverine delves into how our constant connection to smartphones can significantly impact our mental health, stress levels, and overall well-being. They opened this episode with the news of the week, highlighting how the AI world was impressed by China's Deepseek, and they discussed the quiet launch of the XR headset (or spatial computer) by Samsung and Google.

The conversation begins with Séverine’s exploration of how smartphones and their constant notifications are rewiring our brains. With her background in psychology, she explains that multitasking, particularly with smartphones, is a myth. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for focus and attention, can only handle one task at a time. Switching between tasks, such as checking emails while having a conversation, causes cognitive overload and increases stress, ultimately reducing our productivity and mental clarity.

Pieter and Tim touch on the broader implications of this, from the rise of "digital addiction" to the increasing pressure placed on young people to stay connected constantly. Séverine emphasizes that smartphones, particularly social media platforms, contribute to this by feeding into the brain’s dopamine system, providing quick bursts of pleasure with each notification or "like." While this can be gratifying in the moment, it creates a cycle of dependence and dissatisfaction when the initial excitement fades away.

The discussion also tackles the growing concerns surrounding smartphones' role in shaping youth behavior, with young people often experiencing "pseudo-ADHD" due to the constant switching of attention caused by digital distractions. Séverine shares her insights into how the prefrontal cortex, the last part of the brain to fully develop, is particularly vulnerable to these effects. This underscores the importance of mindful engagement with technology, not only for young people but for adults as well.

Séverine’s perspective on how technology can be used more consciously and in harmony with our brain’s natural functioning offers a refreshing take on how we can reclaim control over our digital lives. By finding a balance and setting boundaries, Séverine believes we can prevent technology from overwhelming our mental health and instead use it to enhance our lives in a positive, meaningful way.

For anyone interested in understanding the intersection of technology and mental health, this episode offers invaluable insights. Séverine’s expertise sheds light on the hidden effects of our digital world and provides practical advice on how we can improve our relationship with smartphones and technology as a whole.