Expert Witness Journal Issue 67 June/July 2026 - Flipbook - Page 40
Digital dementia and the
insurance implications of social
media addiction
by Joanna Wallens, Associate & Tim Johnson, Partner at UK and Ireland law 昀椀rm
Browne Jacobson
The term ‘digital dementia’ describes the
deterioration of cognitive function attributed
to overuse of digital technology. Alongside it, a
growing body of clinical evidence now characterises
compulsive social media use as a behavioural
addiction
with
measurable
neurological
consequences.
decline, particularly in memory, attention, and
concentration, which is linked to prolonged and
excessive use of digital devices.
Research has demonstrated structural and
functional changes in the brains of heavy social
media users. Critically, the evidence suggests these
e昀昀ects disproportionately a昀昀ect younger people
whose brains are still developing, raising particular
concerns about the long-term cognitive trajectories.
Digital dementia and
social media addiction
For insurance professionals, these developments
carry real and practical implications across a range
of product lines. As with any emerging risk, those
who engage early will be better placed to price,
underwrite and manage their exposures.
Social media addiction is increasingly understood
through the same neurological framework as
substance addiction. Platforms are deliberately
engineered to trigger dopaminergic reward
cycles (the ‘like’, the noti昀椀cation, the scroll) each
reinforcing compulsive use.
Digital dementia is not a formally recognised
clinical diagnosis, but it is attracting serious
scienti昀椀c attention. It refers to a pattern of cognitive
EXPERT WITNESS JOURNAL
Clinically, it presents with features familiar from
other behavioural addictions: preoccupation,
38
JUNE 2026
