Habits are hard to break!
How we’ve become dependent on our digital devices
written by Jane Newlands BA, B.Ed, MA
How many times in a day do you reach for your phone or get caught on the computer without the ability to unplug?
An interesting conversation, and one worth having! We now know that the chemistry and the wiring of the brain can be manipulated, therefore what are the consequences and effects of technology on the individual? How are the changes in the way we operate daily with technology affecting levels of intimacy and connection, and why is it so difficult to unplug? When does a habit become an addiction, since we know that behavioural addictions – gambling, online porn, shopping – take hold because they trigger the same areas of the brain as drugs. Few believed the brain was plastic and that the media could work by, in some way, connecting to and rewiring our neurons. The same seems to be true with excessive screen-time, especially for the young developing brain and the damage to the brain’s frontal lobe.
Developed in a healthy environment, the frontal lobe largely determines success in every area of life, from a sense of well-being to academic or career success to relationship skills. This becomes a parenting dilemma and a constant battle to monitor screen time.
Referring to an article in the Globe and Mail, “The Great Disconnect” a discussion between tech titan Jim Balsillie and psychiatrist Norman Doidge, they question, “Are we capable to turn off the monitor, pull ourselves away, especially when we learn that big tech companies now hire teams of hundreds of neuroscientists to teach what applications will have the “stickiest” effect on the brain? These people are behavioural psychologists and behavioural neuroscientists whose focus is not therapeutic, but on manipulating behaviour to create craving and anxiety if we try to resist it.” What are the chances anyone has of not becoming addicted, and what are the costs? Perhaps take note of your level of anxiety with or without your screens. So many questions, and research is now available for those interested to know what the effects are of too much screen time.
Here is a link if you would like a more detailed explanation. http://drdunckley.com/reset-your-childs-brain/. Digital devices can be wonderful, creating and providing endless resources. There is no turning back, and the conveniences possibly outweigh the long term effects. Keeping in touch has never been easier, and we are capable of so much more, and information is so easily accessible. The list of advantages is endless, however, education and awareness of some of these alarming changes to the brain, and our behaviour, is important.
Relationships, intimacy and connection are affected if we only communicate by text or email. Social skills can become compromised without personal interaction.! It becomes important to perhaps reflect on how technology is integrated in your daily living, and the level of dependency. Staying connected requires disconnecting, with a conscious awareness and intention to not forget what is important. It’s a balancing act, and we can figure this out, through conversations, education and discussions together, whether as a couple, a family, or a business. It’s an important issue that affects all of us. Therefore, we all need to be involved in the solution, to be more active and speak up. Brains can be manipulated, but people can stay connected, and solutions are far more effective as a group and community. Anxieties and fears, false representations seen on Facebook, comparisons and judgements are harmful. Our brains are always developing, and we can choose what we pay attention to and how much attention we are willing to spend in digital isolation. Next time you interrupt a conversation answering your phone, spend hours glued to your computer or playing video games, ask yourself, is it urgent? The convenience of our digital devices may otherwise become a huge inconvenience!!
“Even though our phones and computers are so integrated into our lives, it’s important not to let them control how we’re living. We are the controllers of technology, not slaves of technology.”
Dalai Lama