Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The wide use of digital technology has introduced a new class of pervasive, chronic stressors to the mankind. While the psychological and social consequences are well-documented, the fundamental molecular and cellular mechanisms through which digital stress impacts human physiology were still not clearly understood. This review paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the biological pathways that mediate the effects of digital technologies apart from behavioural perspective. It is evident that the constant connectivity and digital stimuli activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which further leads to continuous glucocorticoid exposure and downstream cellular changes. Neurobiological effects of these modifications include modifications to the dopamine-reward system and additional stimulation of neuroinflammation through the activation of microglia. Furthermore, these activities result in systemic impacts such inflammation, oxidative stress, and changes to the gut-brain axis. Developing focused, physiologically based therapies to mitigate these impacts requires in-depth understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms. To address the biological impact of a digitally-intensive lifestyle, further research is required to find new biomarkers and create therapeutic approaches.
Author: G. Vidya Sagar Reddy
Language: English
Subfield: Behavioral Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4414440777
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