Started my taxes today, makes me wonder if our government likes its Citizens at all.
Recently I read several articles/posts that struck me as eerily connected.
CNN reports on a Stanford University study which shows a correlation between digital/electronic multitasking in female tweens and problems forming “normal” social relationships. Although the study only followed a little over 3000 female participants, the researchers involved believe the study is equally applicable to both males and females. The participants in the Stanford study were not multitasking between business and/or school functions; they were multitasking on social media websites and applications. Based on my reading of the study, the participants were almost manic in their drive to master the digital social sphere. This “hyper-digital” multitasking replaced face-to-face contact. The study has drawn a correlation between this and a lack of social skills on the part of the participants. The suggested fix for these social issues is simply more face-to-face interactions.
Jonas Lehrer discusses a new study that shows a correlation between taking time to allow your brain to wonder and good decision-making. This particular studies purports to look at “good idea” creation or recognition. The research shows an over 30% increase in “good” decision making when allowing the brain time to perform other tasks or rest. No matter the nature of the decision, it boils down to this: Your brain needs more time to process information and functions better if allowed this “down” time.
After reading both of these posts several times, it occurred to me that this “hyper-digital” phenomenon is a great example of overtaxing the brain and not allowing it the appropriate time to relax and wonder. Anyone living in our modern world deals with the daily problem of information overload. It has become increasingly difficult to filter thru the layers of thinly disguised advertising and propaganda to find useful information. The brain can only handle processing and filterpreting so much data at one time.
Right at the end of the CNN piece they talk about a previous study that shows memory and cognitive difficulties were created in adults who were categorized as “heavy” multitaskers. The study of the tweens did not look at this issue. I am sure if that information would have been studied as well, the participants would have been found to have memory issues and cognitive issues on top of their social interaction problems.
There have been several studies in recent years that show allowing your brain to wander or daydream is beneficial. Psychologist Daniel Kahneman argues in his new book Thinking, Fast, and Slow that in the vast majority of instances, we would make better decisions if we slowed down. For me it seems obvious that allowing your brain to process information and have recurring down time is necessary on a daily basis. Whether adult or tween, trying to process too much information or do too many things at once leads to being a less efficient person. Free time or play time for your brain should be something you do regularly to improve your memory and cognitive functions.
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