Decision neuroscientist | Trust, cooperation & digital wellbeing & mental health & sustainable societies
The World Economic Forum recently highlighted Japan’s initiatives to address “smartphone addiction,” citing Toyoake City’s new ordinance and the establishment of a “smartphone dementia” clinic. These efforts indeed reflect public concern about digital overuse. However, the article may unintentionally give the impression that Japan’s approach is grounded in well-established scientific consensus. In reality, researchers are still debating how smartphone and SNS use affect mental health — and whether restrictions are the most effective response. As discussed in my recent interview with Kyōiku Shinbun (“Concerns about smartphone regulation ordinances,” Oct 2025,[https://lnkd.in/gpShcz5F]), empirical evidence shows that the quality of digital communication matters more than the quantity. Our studies at the RIKEN found that: One-to-one online communication with close others can increase happiness. In contrast, “one-to-many” social media browsing tends to raise loneliness, largely because it reduces face-to-face interaction. https://lnkd.in/g-VSERR7 This suggests that simple time-limit regulations, such as Toyoake’s “two-hour rule,” lack scientific grounding and may overlook deeper causes. In many cases, excessive smartphone use follows — rather than causes — mental health difficulties. Evidence-based responses therefore require counselor support and school-community collaboration, not only restrictions. Japan’s ordinance can serve as a valuable social experiment if accompanied by careful evaluation and data collection. What is essential is that future digital-wellbeing policies — in Japan and globally — move beyond fear or intuition, and rest firmly on scientific evidence about human connection and mental health.
Can’t put your phone down? You’re not alone. #Smartphone addiction is on the rise around the world. It brings with it a range of health risks, from depression and anxiety to sleeplessness. In #Japan, the average high school student spends 6 hours a day online - more than any other age group. Now the country is taking steps to tackle smartphone addiction. Here’s how. As the influence of digital technology on society increases, so do its risks. A new report by the World Economic Forum explores these challenges, and offers strategies to promote a healthier relationship with our screens. Learn more in our feature: https://ow.ly/waHM50XeP5b
