The Default Mode Network

The Default Mode Network (DMN) is a group of brain regions active when you're at rest, not focused on the outside world—like daydreaming, recalling memories, or imagining future events. It helps your brain process internal thoughts and self-reflection. The DMN becomes less active when you pay close attention to tasks. Understanding it helps researchers learn how the brain functions during rest and has implications for mental health, as disruptions in this network are linked to conditions such as depression, anxiety, and Alzheimer's disease.