Study Reveals a Hidden Problem Linked to Excessive Smartphone Scrolling

Could endless smartphone scrolling be silently affecting your memory, concentration and physical health? A new study suggests that excessive smartphone use, particularly passive scrolling, may be associated with poorer cognitive performance, disrupted sleep and posture-related problems affecting balance and coordination.

Published in the journal Acta Psychologica, the study conducted by researchers at Semmelweis University examined how different smartphone usage patterns influence psychological well-being, cognitive abilities and physical health among young adults aged 18 to 35 years.

Participants completed questionnaires assessing smartphone habits, self-control, fear of missing out (FOMO) and personality traits. Researchers also evaluated cognitive performance and physical functioning.

The analysis identified three smartphone user groups: those primarily using phones for social communication, light users spending less than four to five hours daily on mixed activities, and heavy users spending four to five hours or more consuming online content.

Approximately one-third of participants belonged to the heavy-use group, which demonstrated poorer performance in memory and attention tests compared with age-related expectations.

These individuals also reported disrupted sleep, greater difficulty controlling impulses and a stronger desire for continuous digital stimulation.

Interestingly, researchers found that problematic smartphone use was more strongly associated with poor self-control and FOMO than personality traits such as neuroticism.

The study also highlighted physical consequences associated with prolonged smartphone use. Frequently looking downward at screens may contribute to forward head posture, commonly called "text neck," potentially affecting neck muscles, balance and reaction time.

Researchers suggested that prolonged poor posture could interfere with sensory signals from the neck that help regulate head position and body coordination.

The study emphasised the importance of healthier digital habits, including limiting passive scrolling, reducing unnecessary notifications, avoiding smartphone use before bedtime and maintaining better posture.

REFERENCE: Johanna Takács, Beáta Seregély. Parallel mediation of FoMO and self-control on the relationship between problematic smartphone use and neuroticism, at-risk group\'s characteristics among young adults. Acta Psychologica, 2025; 260: 105608 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.105608