In July, I posted a video on Shaughnessy Wellness’ Facebook page with this title. I’m not sure if you saw it, but this topic merits our attention. I have talked in the past about the physical effects of technology on our bodies, “Text Neck” is a relatively new diagnosis caused by postural stress associated with using phones, tablets and computers. There are also significant mental and social effects from the use of technology that are drastically impacting our lives. I got the title of this article from Jim Kwik, who points out that we are outsourcing our brains to our devices. Yes, it is convenient to store many phone numbers in our phone, but we have now lost the ability to memorize a single 7 digit number! Simply, the convenience of the technology is crippling us. We are no longer able to do simple math in our heads or retain facts. “Use it or Lose it” they say, well we are losing it.
The use of technology affects us socially. We are losing the ability to make conversation during “down times” like waiting for a meeting to begin, as each individual pulls out their device and occupies themselves. Relationships are built during these times. In an effort to avoid “awkwardness”, we fill our time and lose connection as a result. Studies show that millenials are having a harder time building deep relationships, and millenials aren’t the only ones doing this!
We don’t even like to be left alone with our thoughts. Our dinner partner leaves to go to the washroom, and we pull out our phone and occupy ourselves until they return. It is during alone times that innovation can happen and creativity can be awakened- but we give ourselves less and less chances for that to occur. I’m guilty of this. I watch a show on television while scrolling through facebook on my phone or playing solitaire or answering texts. I like to think I am multi-tasking, but what I am doing is dividing my attention. Simon Sinok points out that in offices, older workers (like me) will have their phones on their desk beside their computer to check them. Younger workers, millenials, will have their phones in front of their keyboards, checking them concurrently as they do their work. Studies were done on rats where one group of rats were shown blinking lights mimicing the 2 different screens of a computer and cell phone, and these rats took three time longer to solve the maze. Multi-tasking isn’t always better!!!
Sinok points out that when we use cell phones and social media, our brain creates the chemical dopamine, which makes us feel good and reinforces the behaviour. This is the basis of addiction. Dopamine is the same chemical produced in smoking, drinking and gambling. These other addictive behaviours are restricted from young people, but we are allowing the next generation to fully engage in the unrestricted use of technology. Parents need to be actively involved in deciding the amount of screen time their children have, and model appropriate behaviour themselves for their kids! Take time to educate yourself regarding the subtle yet profound impact electronics are having on your life, and take some time to be “unplugged”. It is for the good of your health!