Let me ask you a question…
Who doesn’t like a funny video on their phone? Or to get a meme from a friend off of Facebook or Instagram?
We all enjoy the entertainment – we look forward to it!
More often than not we’ll find ourselves struggling to go without it….
I’m more guilty than anyone when it comes to this. It’s like there’s mental glue on my hands and eyes, and it’s hard to pull away. And if it’s not social media, it’s something else on my phone or computer or tv!
I began to get a little worried – but most of all: interested.
I wanted to know the studies behind what I was experiencing, and I’ve put them together here for you. This might help you understand more about the ball-and-chain that is technology and social media.
The University Of California Study
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The effects of technology have been studied several times.
One such study was conducted by researchers at the University of California. They found that even brief internet use can cause significant decreases in cognitive function. The study was published in the journal “Computers in Human Behavior” in 2016.
In the study, participants were asked to complete a series of tasks that required sustained attention and working memory. They were then randomly assigned to either use the internet for 15 minutes or read a printed article for the same amount of time. Afterward, the participants were asked to complete the tasks again.
The results showed that those who used the internet experienced a significant decrease in cognitive function. The contrast is pretty drastic when compared to those who read the printed article. The conclusion is that the use of the internet can be negative, even for short periods of time.
The Human Perception & Performance Study
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In today’s digital age, we are constantly exposed to a barrage of notifications and alerts from our devices, leading to a culture of “always on” connectivity.
There was a study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology, which suggests that this constant stream of information can lead to cognitive overload, reducing our ability to process and retain information.
The study involved two experiments in which participants were asked to complete a memory task while being interrupted by notifications on their smartphones. The results showed that participants who received more notifications made more errors and had lower memory performance than those who received fewer interruptions.
The study found that even when participants were able to ignore the notifications, their cognitive load was still increased, leading to a decline in memory performance. The researchers suggest that this is because the notifications were still processed at an unconscious level, causing a constant distraction and overloading the participants’ cognitive resources.
This study highlights the negative impact that constant notifications can have on our cognitive function and memory, even when we try to ignore them. It underscores the importance of managing our digital distractions and taking breaks from our devices to maintain our cognitive health and performance.
But Hold On, It’s Not All Bad
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Alright, hold on for a minute, because there are also some benefits to technology and social media.
For example:
Certain video games and brain-training apps have been shown to improve cognitive function, memory retention, and attention span when used in moderation.
So… What Do We Do Now?
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What can we do to minimize the negative effects of technology and social media on our mental sharpness and attention span?
#1. It is important to set boundaries and limit our use of technology and social media. Do it by setting specific times during the day when we check our emails, social media accounts, or other technology-related tasks.
#2 Practice focus on being present in the moment. This can be done by taking breaks from technology and engaging in activities that promote mindfulness.
#3 We’ve got to prioritize getting enough sleep, exercise, and healthy nutrition. These will all factor into a more positive impact on cognitive function and attention span.
We’ve got to get off of our technology, guys.
Our whole generation is plugged into it. Heck, you and I are on it right now!
I’ve learned that nature and life outside this screen are just so much better for us than this world is. I know it’s fun to get on this train and refuse to get back off. But I would suggest that you take the advice of the studies above. Turn off the technology for a little while!
Have an excellent day! Be sure to leave a comment down below if you have any questions!