Hello Singapore | Are our phones affecting how we think, feel, and focus? Dopamine detox explained. feat. Dr David Teo
Posted on 28 Apr 2026
Written by
Connections MindHealth
A recent survey in Singapore found that about 50% of people show signs of excessive phone use.
In an interview with 8World for the programme Hello Singapore, Dr David Teo, Psychiatrist, shared how habits like scrolling short videos and gaming deliver “fast dopamine” — quick bursts of reward that, over time, may make it harder for us to concentrate, rest, and switch off.
When the brain becomes used to constant stimulation, everyday activities like reading or working can start to feel less engaging. This may show up as reduced focus, restlessness, poor sleep, and increased anxiety.
The good news? Resetting doesn’t require drastic changes.
Simple steps — like setting aside time without your phone, or replacing screen time with real-world activities — can help the brain gradually rebalance.
Watch the full interview on Hello Singapore‘s YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/hBI1JSJ-184?si=idaFpV_pPmZNNYc3

