Multitasking with more than one media device at the same time could be affecting the structure of people's brains, leading to potential problems like poorer concentration, depression and anxiety, a new study shows.

Simultaneously using mobile phones, laptops and other media devices could be changing the structure of our brains, according to new University of Sussex research.

Findings published in the Spt. 24 issue of the journal PLOS ONE reveals that people who simultaneously and frequently use mobile phones, laptops and other media devices have lower grey-matter density in a particular region of the brain, compared to those who use just one device occasionally.

Researchers from the Sackler Center for Consciousness Science at the University of Sussex in England said the study underscores earlier work that determined connections between high media-multitasking activities and poor attention amid distractions and emotional problems, according to a news release.

The researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine the brain structures of 75 adults, all of whom had answered a questionnaire regarding their use and consumption of media devices, including mobile phones and computers, television and print media.

It was noted that people who used a higher number of media devices concurrently also had smaller grey matter density in the part of the brain known as the anterior cingulate cortex, the region responsible for cognitive and emotional control functions.

Led by neuroscientists Kep Kee Loh and Dr. Ryota Kanai, the investigative team asserted their study reveals a link rather than causality and that a long-term study is needed to understand whether high concurrent media usage leads to changes in the brain structure -- or whether media multitasking attracts those with less-dense grey matter.

"Media multitasking is becoming more prevalent in our lives today and there is increasing concern about its impacts on our cognition and social-emotional well-being," Loh said in a statement. "Our study was the first to reveal links between media multitasking and brain structure."

Previous studies have shown brain structure can be altered by prolonged exposure to novel environments and experience, with the neural pathways and synapses changing in accordance with the resultant behaviors.

At the same time, other studies have shown that training -- such as learning to juggle, or teaching oneself how to navigate an area by reading a map -- can increase grey-matter densities.

"The exact mechanisms of these changes are still unclear," Loh said. "Although it is conceivable that individuals ... are more susceptible to multitasking situations due to weaker ability in cognitive control or socio-emotional regulation, it is equally plausible that higher levels of exposure to multitasking situations leads to structural changes."