Mental health expert warns technology affects brains, work
By: Solomon Nartey Tetteh
Mental Health Advocate Justice Ocloo has called for increased awareness about how mental health and brain function affect productivity, urging employers and policymakers to consider both the psychological and biological effects of technology on today’s workforce.
The American Psychological Association (APA), in its 2023 Stress in America report, identified “constant device-checking” as a leading cause of stress and mental fatigue, especially among younger adults and working professionals.
In Ghana, the rapid rise of digital technology has introduced new behavioral challenges. Young people and professionals are frequently exposed to screen-based distractions, yet many remain unaware of the neurological processes behind this trend.
Speaking on the Business Breakfast Show on Zed on Friday, June 20, 2025, Ocloo explained that the brain’s limbic system plays a crucial role in how individuals respond to technological stimuli.
“The limbic system is deep-rooted in the brain and comprises four key parts — the thalamus, hypothalamus, amygdala, and cerebral cortex. Each influences our behavior, emotions, and memory processing, with the cerebral cortex acting as the ‘CEO’ of the brain responsible for higher functions,” the mental health advocate stated.
Mr. Ocloo warned that any imbalance in these brain regions, especially when exposed to technology or digital platforms, can increase distraction and make it difficult to maintain focus.
He linked this directly to the growing challenges many people face with digital distraction in the modern era.
