Today’s society is all about technology and
innovation. It is not uncommon to see
people consumed by smart phones, tablets, and etc. in many areas of their
life. Often we hear how technology is
ruining social interactions because everything seems so impersonal. What about how technology affects the
individual anatomically and physiologically?
Two researchers Kep Kee Loh and Dr. Ryota Kanai from
the University of Sussex located in the UK examined the differences in brain
anatomy between individuals who use only one media device infrequently and
individuals who use multiple media devices simultaneously and often. Media devices were limited to cell phones,
computers, t.v, and printed publications (Paddock 2014). A total of 75 participated in surveys
relating to their media device usage and a functional MRI scan (fMRI).
The fMRI revealed differences in gray matter within
the anterior cingulate cortex. This area
of the brain is known to play a role in cognition, emotion, and a wide array of
physiological functions. Users who used
multiple media devices often had lower amounts of gray matter in direct
comparison to those who use one media device infrequently. Previous studies looked at the link between extensive
media device consumption and the appearance of depression and anxiety concluding
that there is a link (Paddock 2014).
This recent study strengthens the previous finding due to the presence
of decreased gray matter levels associated with regular media device multi-tasking
individuals (Paddock 2014).
So what is the big deal? The brain is known to change whether that is
in size of an area or re-mapping areas in response to our environment. Is the over consumption of media devices
leading to a decrease in the gray matter of the anterior cingulate cortex? The
study mentioned the need to evaluate whether individuals with previously
established lower gray matter in the anterior cingulate cortex are more likely
to use multiple media devices simultaneously (Paddock 2014). In other words are
changes in the brain leading to increased media device usage rather than media
device usage leading to changes in the brain?
Technology does have many advantages but as with many
things, overconsumption could have several affects. Suppose overconsumption consistently
correlates with drastic negative effects, is it too late to change how
technology is incorporated into our daily lives?
Source:
Paddock,
Catharine. 2014 Sept 26. "Multitasking with media devices linked to brain
changes." Medical News Today [Internet]. MediLexicon, Intl. [cited 28
Sep 2014]. Available from: <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/283059.php>
This is very interesting and it makes me think of my old school district. My old school district is now providing students with iPads to use in their classes. These students receive iPads when they are in 6th grade and will have them until their senior year of high school. I can see how iPads will make it easier for students to transport their books, but I am concerned with students concentration and their learning. This makes me wonder if giving students iPads will lower students ability to learn. Will students who use print text books have different brain anatomy as compared to students who use computers to learn? I believe that adding more technology into these students lives will cause this next generation to be more addicted to technology and cause increased media consumption outside of school. In this study you are talking about it said that extensive media device consumption leads to an increase anxiety and depression. Will anxiety and depression rise with the increased technology in schools? Will this be a positive change to school systems or detrimental?
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