Monday, August 30, 2010

"Your Brain on Computers"

I found this article on nytimes.com last Tuesday and it immediately caught my attention.  I feel I can completely relate to this. With so many portable, digital devices we now have barely any time to think for ourselves. This may not be correct of all people, but most of the time when I'm watching a video, listening to music, or just sending a text on my phone I feel as if my brain completely shuts off- I might as well be asleep (accept that would be contributing to my physical health). Personally, my favorite example of this is when someone is walking around campus engrossed in their phone and they don't realize that they are about to run into a person or a door. Whatever they're doing may be important, but is it important enough to risk missing something around you, be it the door or a chance to get Ryan Reynold's autograph?


Two studies mentioned in this article suggest that you can learn easier with fewer distractions, specifically electronic distractions. That doesn't exactly sound like rocket science to me, but maybe that's what it takes for people to realize this. The University of Michigan conducted a study that implies bombarding yourself with information throughout the day makes you more fatigued. For example, you come home and watch TV for two hours and you believe that you are relaxing or refreshing yourself, but it is actually tiring your brain.


This article also says that "when people keep their brains busy with digital input, they are forfeiting downtime that could allow them to better learn and remember information, or come up with new ideas." I agree with this, I find it much harder to write a paper or take a good photograph after I've been watching TV all day as opposed to days when I only focus on general tasks.

Ironically enough, here are some videos related to this article.


Try not to fatigue your brain!

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