LSN : Daily Signals : Stat: Study finds social media use cuts reading and memory scores in adolescents

Modem and Google DeepMind explore AI-driven design with Ross Lovegrove

Seed 6143 by Modem, Google DeepMind and Ross Lovegrove, Amsterdam

Amsterdam – Design studio Modem, in collaboration with Google DeepMind and Studio Ross Lovegrove, has unveiled Seed 6143, an experimental project exploring human–machine collaboration in physical design.

The team trained a DeepMind AI model on Lovegrove’s sketches and visual vocabulary, using creative language instead of conventional design labels to prompt the AI toward more divergent, experimental forms. This approach produced a wide array of concept outputs, from which the studio selected a single design to develop into a functional 3D-CAD model.

The resulting piece is a metal, robotic 3D-printed chair that blends Lovegrove’s biomorphic aesthetic with AI-driven form exploration, illustrating how generative AI can push the boundaries of conventional product design. Rather than replacing the designer, the AI acted as a creative collaborator, generating possibilities that might not emerge through traditional methods.

The project signals a shift toward AI as a design partner, giving studios the chance to explore new materials, forms and production techniques while maintaining a distinctly human aesthetic – a balance explored in our macrotrend The Synthocene Era.

Strategic opportunity

Studios and product designers can leverage AI not just for efficiency but as a creative collaborator by using generative models to explore forms, materials and structures that otherwise would be difficult to conceive

Foresight Friday: Seyi Oduwole, foresight analyst

Every Friday, we offer an end-of-week wrap-up of the topics, issues, ideas and virals we’re all talking about. This week, foresight analyst Seyi Oduwole reflects on her time at the Health Optimisation Summit 2025 in London.

: Founded by biohacker and entrepreneur Tim Gray, the Health Optimisation Summit brought together leading minds in wellness, biohacking and longevity to explore the future of human health. From cutting-edge biometrics to ancient healing practices, the event showcased how science and lifestyle are converging to redefine what it means to feel well.

: While much of the discussion centred on quantifiable data and biometric tracking, Dr Rangan Chatterjee urged attendees to look beyond the measurable. The British physician, author and podcast host asked, ‘If you could give everyone one non-medical pill, what would it be?’ His answer: compassion. He reminded the audience that in the pursuit of optimisation, we often overlook the unmeasurable, emotions, relationships and purpose, which ultimately define true wellbeing. A timely reminder that the most important metrics for health often lie within our emotions, mindset and sense of connection, a sentiment that we previously analysed in our Social Wellness report.

: Dr Josh Axe, doctor of natural medicine, championed a return to chronodiets, ancestral diets and traditional healing practices, highlighting the balance between modern science and ancient wisdom through the principles of yin and yang.

: Women’s health also took centre stage, with standout sessions from Dr Alisa Vitti, founder of Flo Living, and Dr Vonda Wright, who explored cycle syncing, midlife mastery and infradian rhythms. Both highlighted the need for women to take control of hormonal health and embrace every stage of the female lifecycle, from menstruation to menopause, topics we explored in The Future of Femtech report.

HerMD, US

Quote of the week

‘Not everything that matters can be measured, and not everything measured matters’

Dr Rangan Chatterjee

Stat: Study finds social media use cuts reading and memory scores in adolescents

The Algorithm of Disrespect by the Australian Department of Social Services, Australia

US – Children who frequently use social media achieve lower scores in reading, vocabulary and memory tests, according to a recently published study.

Researchers analysed data from 6,500 children aged 9–13 over a four-year period in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study. By age 13, 58% of participants were using little to no social media, 37% were spending around an hour a day and 6% were using it for three hours or more.

The participants were given a range of tests to measure their cognitive functioning at the start of the study (aged 9 or 10) and in early adolescence. Even light users of social media performed 1–2 points lower in reading and memory tests than non-users, while heavy users scored 4–5 points lower.

Psychologists say that small increases in daily use may influence the brain during a crucial stage of cognitive development.

The findings strengthen global calls for stricter age limits on social media. Australia will require platforms to block under-16s by December 2025, while Denmark is moving to ban users under the age of 15 – measures that academics say could help to protect learning outcomes.

Read our ADHD and the Attention Economy report to explore how growing societal concerns around attention spans and focus are fuelling non-medicinal interventions.

Strategic opportunity

Develop products, platforms and communications that minimise cognitive overload and help young users to focus and form healthy digital habits. This will strengthen trust in your organisation and long-term brand value