Two participants document screen-free experiment in NRK series premiering in Norway

Sven Bisgaard Sundet and Michael “Mike” Stilson embarked on a significant experiment by disconnecting from digital screens for an entire year, a journey documented in the upcoming NRK series “Avlogga,” premiering on October 8. Living screen-free meant no smartphones, social media, banking apps, or internet access—they fully unplugged from modern technology.

The results of their disconnection were surprising to both participants and researchers. Throughout the year, they underwent brain activity testing at three stages: before logging off, after six months, and just before reconnecting. Using a cap fitted with 256 electrodes, researchers measured significant changes in brain activity. Notably, there was a substantial increase in brain connectivity between the first and second tests, indicating that their brains were working more efficiently when tasked with problem-solving.

Researcher Audrey van der Meer noted that the reduction of screen time allowed the brain to engage more deeply without digital distractions, fostering stronger communication between different brain regions. However, between the second and third tests, a decrease in brain connections was observed, suggesting that familiarity with screens, when reintroduced, might reduce cognitive engagement.

Daily tasks that were once managed via smartphones, like remembering song titles or navigating directions, had to be processed mentally. This forced a return to analog methods—enhancing memory and spatial skills—demonstrated by Sundet’s newfound navigation skills in Seoul without a smartphone.

While the researchers hesitate to draw definitive conclusions, the trends observed indicate that disconnecting from digital devices could lead to notable cognitive improvements. As both participants discuss whether to continue their screen-free life, Sundet expresses hope that his mobile phone will remain out of reach.