French brain research institute director says excessive smartphone use can lead to cognitive decline
Marc Tadié, director of the French brain research institute, has warned in an interview with the German magazine Welt that excessive reliance on smartphones can lead to cognitive decline, particularly affecting the hippocampus, a brain region that is crucial for memory.
Tadié drew a parallel between excessive smartphone use and the shrinking of the hippocampus that was observed in London taxi drivers after the introduction of GPS navigation.
According to Tadié, continuous smartphone use weakens the neural pathways responsible for attention, perception and memory consolidation. This can lead to long-term cognitive problems, much like an unused railway line that becomes overgrown with weeds. Although certain brain stimulation techniques can partially restore these connections, they cannot fully compensate for the loss of experiences and personality development.
Tadié noted that smartphones can have positive effects on older people by alleviating loneliness, stimulating procedural memory and improving their overall well-being. However, he stressed the importance of moderation and age-appropriate use. He proposes a ‘smartphone driving licence’ system with minimum age requirements depending on functionality, and calls for awareness campaigns to promote responsible smartphone use.
Excessive smartphone use can also negatively affect empathy and interpersonal relationships. Studies have shown a decline in empathy and difficulties in recognising facial expressions that convey emotions such as fear, sadness or compassion. Although young people feel connected through social media, they often display social withdrawal and prefer to check in rather than engage in interactions in the real world.
Tadié concluded by stating that smartphone addiction is a reality, because dopamine – the so‑called feel‑good hormone – is released with every interaction. The algorithms designed to hold users’ attention create a cycle of constant stimulation.
This underlines the insidious nature of this addiction, which develops gradually and has few barriers to entry, making it all the more dangerous. Treatment often consists of isolation in specialised centres for several months, reflecting the severity of other addictive disorders.
Ban on smartphone use in schools
In France, however, there is still no general smartphone ban in schools, even though President Macron has recently advocated one. Tadié likewise argued in the interview for such a ban, stressing that it could improve pupils’ attention, concentration and memory, reduce social inequality, and limit stress and cyberbullying.
In Belgium, a similar measure was introduced starting from the 2025–2026 school year. Both in Flemish and Walloon schools there is a strict ban on the use of smartphones and other smart devices while pupils are on school premises.
In the Netherlands, mobile phones, tablets and smartwatches have no longer been permitted in the classroom since 2024; schools make clear agreements on this with teachers, parents and pupils.
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