weapons of massdistraction

We are consuming a ridiculous volume of information on a daily basis and it is altering us. I’ve observed the effects on my very own brain, over my lifetime. Since I’m solidly GenX means I grew up in an analog world. But I’ve also been an early adopter of so much new tech that has come along. Many research projects have been tracking the impact of technology on human physiology.

I get at least one patient a week who is convinced that forgetting things like car keys or picking up children is the result of a serious brain condition or early Alzheimer’s. The truth is the expansion of the information age has happened so fast, it’s bringing us face to face with our brains’ limitations. Just because our computer devices have perfect memories we think we should too.

How does technology affect our brains?
Andi Horvath speaks with researchers to determine just how our daily use of technology affects our brains.

Over time, I know I have been losing my ability to focus. I’ve wondered what some solutions might be. Some days I consider ADHD meds. This week I removed the Facebook app from my phone. And have been appalled by how often I find myself still reaching for it. That only reinforced the notion this is the best course of action for me. What other apps will I have the courage to delete from my smartphone? Or should I fully embrace a “dumb” phone with limited options to help me out? A roundup of such devices:

• The latest is The Wisephone; “a minimalist phone, free of digital addiction.” Promising.
• That looks like it could be an improvement over other attempts like The Lightphone which received less-than-stellar reviews.
• The Mudita still hasn’t made it into production.
• Lastly, Justine Haupt made a completely functional rotary cellphone. And you can make one too! But it’s a little bit clunky for my taste.

Speaking of the brain’s limitations, multitasking has been up for debate for some time.

Humans, they say, don’t do lots of things simultaneously. Instead, we switch our attention from task to task extremely quickly.

Think You’re Multitasking? Think Again

This week I heard a fresh take from my favorite undercover economist, Tim Harford, and his TED Talk A Powerful Way to Unleash Your Natural Creativity:

What can we learn from the world’s most enduringly creative people? They “slow-motion multitask,” actively juggling multiple projects and moving between topics as the mood strikes — without feeling hurried. Author Tim Harford shares how innovators like Einstein, Darwin, Twyla Tharp and Michael Crichton found their inspiration and productivity through cross-training their minds.

It’s worth listening to. I’ve struggled with these things my entire adult life. Maybe I’ll find that balance one of these days.