“As our world changes, we find new ways to make sense of it.” - Bill Harris
Issue #480 – Monday, June 16, 2025
You’ve probably heard the warnings…
“Too much screen time is bad for your brain.”
And as a parent, entrepreneur and CEO, I’ve said it myself. Because let’s be honest: many of us have felt the stress, the brain fog, and the distraction that comes from being constantly plugged in.
But what if there’s more to the story?
This week, I’m sharing a special essay from Mind Power Managing Editor Ryan Standifird that explores a surprising shift in the research…
…one that suggests your smartphone could actually support your brain health, especially if you’re over 50.
It’s a hopeful and nuanced take that I know you’re going to love.
Cheers,
MaryEllen Tribby
Centerpointe CEO
P.S.
What’s an easy way to improve your brain health with your smartphone?
We have the answer down in the Check it Out section below Ryan’s essay.
Can Your Smartphone Actually Help Your Brain Health?
New Research Sheds a Hopeful Light
By Ryan Standifird
It wasn’t so long ago that I wrote a Mind Power warning you about how your smartphone could be draining your energy, increasing your stress, and harming your brain health.
But new research from the Department of Neurology at the University of Texas and the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Baylor University could be flipping the script.
You see, after analyzing datasets from 136 different studies on how smartphone usage impacted brain health, the researchers found that…
The more folks over 50 reported using their smartphones and other devices, the less likely they were to show symptoms of cognitive decline.
But wait - I thought more smartphone use meant worse brain health!
So what’s happening here?
Did You Grow Up with a Smartphone In Your Pocket?
While the study doesn’t point to any specific answers as to the biggest cause of this improved brain health for mobile device users (more research is needed), there are some theories that explain this trend.
For example, one of the unique things about this study is that it focuses on a specific group - folks over the age of 50.
If you fall into this category, you were already an adult when computers, the internet and mobile phones went from science-fiction to everyday reality. Which means your brain was already done with its initial developmental phase, and was more resilient to the sort of “brain rot” effects seen in smartphone-addicted teenagers these days.
Sure, there were televisions back in the 20th century. But the excessive binge-watching, doom-scrolling, and other bad screen habits weren’t nearly as common as they are today.
This gives folks over 50 a huge advantage when it comes to using their devices mindfully, leading to a lower chance of relying on them as a coping mechanism or becoming dependent on them for a dopamine hit.
Smart Devices Take Brain Power to Use
Here’s another aspect of this new research to take into account:
Those who are experiencing cognitive decline will struggle more with using a mobile device than those who have good brain health.
That’s right. While a toddler may quickly and easily learn how to navigate a phone or tablet, people on the other end of the age spectrum can feel frustrated with all the menus, options, and other icons making things overly complicated.
This is a situation where their years of growing up without screens can turn against them because they may long for the “good old ways” of doing things that they are used to.
For example, it’s much easier to pick up and read a newspaper than it is to figure out which of the 100 apps on your screen is the news app that has the article you’re looking for.
It’s much easier to grab a corded landline phone and dial up your grandchildren than it is to figure out how to get facetime to work on your tablet.
And it’s much easier to go shopping in person than to figure out which online retailer has the item you want with the best return policy if it doesn’t fit.
As a result, those who experience brain fog, low energy, memory problems or other signposts of cognitive decline may abandon their smartphone entirely for a more familiar, analog experience.
My father-in-law, for example, is in his 70’s and prefers to use physical, paper maps over his phone’s “confusing” GPS app. More power to him!
All of this means that the dataset tying smartphone usage to brain health could be a little bit skewed, since those who use devices more are already more cognitively healthy than those who use them less.
And yet, the dangers of smartphones and other devices are still very much present.
How You Use Your Device Matters
Of course, no matter how old you are or how you grew up, the way you use your smartphone has a bigger impact on your brain health than whether or not you use it at all.
Are you using it to track your workouts? Or to order a pizza for the fourth time this week?
Are you using it to plan a fun weekend get-together with friends? Or are you mindlessly “doomscrolling” through triggering posts on social media?
This is the deciding factor of whether or not your phone habits will help or harm your brain health.
Your smartphone can still rot your brain if all you do is use it passively, as a source of easy dopamine, watching video after video late at night instead of sleeping.
But your smartphone can also make your life easier by giving you access to more effective ways to improve your health, your brain, and your whole life.
The Best Way to Improve Brain Health With a Smartphone or Tablet
If there’s one brain-healthy habit that a smartphone or tablet can really help with…
…it’s listening to Holosync.
In fact, if you can create a habit of listening to Holosync at least once a day, your brain will automatically improve in major, core-level ways, resulting in:
More awareness of counterproductive coping mechanisms
More capacity for gratitude and being “in the moment”
Better results when trying to improve your life
Less stress, more stress resistance
More control over emotions
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg!
So to make it as easy as possible for anyone to start up a daily Holosync habit, we created a powerful app specifically for your favorite smartphone or tablet.
It’s called the MyHolosync App, and it’s a game-changer when it comes to improving your brain with a mobile device.
Best of all, you can download and listen for free (though the best features are on a MyHolosync Premium subscription).
Want to check it out and begin using your smartphone for better brain health starting in the next couple of minutes?
Just follow this link to download the MyHolosync App right now and claim a 7-day free trial to MyHolosync Premium (no credit card required, no commitment necessary).
And remember that how you use your smartphone is what matters most when it comes to your brain health!
Check It Out!
The MyHolosync App
Download today & unlock your Free 7-Day Trial of
MyHolosync Premium to Gain Instant Access to:
🧘 Exclusive Holosync Suites & Tracks – Powerful app-only soundtracks including the new Gamma Synergy soundtrack
🔊 Autofonix Soundtracks – Silent affirmations + Holosync to shift your mindset effortlessly
💤 Holosync Radio – 8+ hours of continuous play to help you focus, sleep, or relax
⏳ Oasis Power Levels – 30-minute meditations that adapt and grow with you
💬 Unlimited Coaching – Get expert support anytime, directly in the app
✨ And More Premium Tools – New content added regularly, only for members
This isn’t just another meditation app.
It’s a brain enhancement system that works while you relax.
Wise Words
“The way you use your smartphone has a bigger impact on your brain health than whether or not you use it at all.” - Ryan Standifird
This Really Happened
"I am so excited for the app. I bought discs long ago and found it hard to keep consistent with busy life and family but am excited to get back to it with the convenience of the app."
~Dedrianne O.
MyHolosync App User
We Want to Hear From You!
Is your smartphone helping or harming your brain health?
Post your story on our Facebook Page.
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but who will be forever grateful.
