We are generally thought to be one of the species on earth that has the longest developmental periods in order to adapt to our environment. However, are the times we are living in, and in particularly with regard to the rapid changes in technology, meaning we evolving too fast for our brain and body to keep pace? I’ve just finished a really interesting lecture on neuroscience which brought this up as something for us to start to consider.
Our brains are remarkably adaptable, and they continuously change in response to new experiences, including the introduction of new technologies. This ability to reorganize and form new neural connections is called neuroplasticity. When we engage with new technologies, our brains undergo several key adaptations to accommodate the demands of these tools and environments. Here’s how:
1. Cognitive Shifts
- Multitasking and Attention Shifts: With the rise of smartphones, social media, and constant notifications, our brains have adapted to quickly switch between tasks, though this can lead to reduced deep focus and increased distractibility. Studies show that frequent technology users may experience shorter attention spans and may struggle with maintaining prolonged concentration on a single task.
- Increased Information Processing: The vast amount of information available through the internet has led to a shift in how we process and store information. Rather than memorizing facts, our brains are now more likely to focus on knowing where to find information and how to access it (sometimes referred to as the “Google effect” or digital amnesia).
2. Enhanced Visual and Spatial Skills
- Improved Visual Processing: Engaging with technology like video games, virtual reality, or even smartphones can enhance visual-spatial skills. For example, video game players tend to show improvements in hand-eye coordination, spatial navigation, and even attention to detail, as their brains adapt to the demands of fast-paced, visually complex environments.
- Mental Mapping: Technologies such as GPS and augmented reality affect how we use and create mental maps of our environment. Some research suggests that relying heavily on GPS may reduce natural spatial mapping abilities, but it also allows people to access unfamiliar environments with greater confidence.
3. Learning and Memory
- Shift from Deep to Surface Learning: The accessibility of information has led to a shift from deep, analytical learning toward more surface-level, rapid information gathering. Instead of mastering subjects in-depth, people often skim and scan information online. While this allows us to process vast amounts of data quickly, it can come at the cost of deeper, more critical thinking.
- Enhanced Pattern Recognition: Our brains are good at recognizing patterns, and regular interaction with technology can sharpen this ability. For instance, using search engines or social media platforms trains the brain to recognize and predict patterns in data, improving our ability to categorize and process information rapidly.
4. Social and Emotional Changes
- Social Adaptation to Digital Communication: Technology has changed how we communicate and form relationships. Our brains have adapted to text-based, emoji-driven communication, and even video calls, which differ from face-to-face interactions. This can lead to changes in emotional processing and social cues. For example, people may become adept at interpreting tone through text but less sensitive to non-verbal cues like body language.
- Emotional Detachment: The anonymity of digital platforms can sometimes lead to reduced empathy and emotional detachment in online interactions. Some studies suggest that constant digital communication can also increase stress, social comparison, and feelings of isolation, particularly with the rise of social media.
5. Increased Cognitive Load
- Cognitive Overload: With the constant influx of information, multitasking, and rapid content consumption, our brains often experience cognitive overload. This can lead to mental fatigue, reduced working memory, and difficulty filtering out irrelevant information.
- Stress and Technology: Technology, especially through smartphones and social media, can create chronic stress, as people feel constantly connected and pressured to respond. Our brains can adapt to this stress, but it can affect emotional regulation and decision-making processes.
6. Neuroplasticity and Learning Technologies
- Accelerated Learning: Modern educational technologies like apps, online courses, and interactive platforms have tapped into our brain’s capacity for rapid learning. These tools use adaptive algorithms and gamification to help improve learning efficiency by tailoring content to the user’s pace and level of understanding.
- Brain Training: Some technologies, particularly cognitive training apps, are designed to exploit neuroplasticity to enhance brain functions like memory, attention, and problem-solving. Although results are mixed, consistent use of such technologies can lead to measurable improvements in cognitive function.
7. Impact on Motor Skills
- Touchscreen and Fine Motor Skills: The widespread use of touchscreen devices and gaming has led to improvements in fine motor skills, especially in children. The brain becomes more adept at coordinating touch movements with visual information.
- Automation of Repetitive Tasks: As we rely more on technology to automate tasks, our brains may adjust by reducing activity in areas associated with certain types of motor or cognitive skills, particularly those we no longer need to perform regularly (e.g., handwriting vs. typing).
8. Changing Reward Systems
- Dopamine and Instant Gratification: Digital technologies, especially social media, trigger the brain’s reward centers by providing instant gratification, like receiving likes or notifications. This can lead to a dopamine-driven feedback loop, reinforcing habitual use of devices and apps.
- Addictive Behaviors: For some, the brain’s adaptation to this instant-reward cycle can result in compulsive technology use, similar to addictive behaviors observed with substances. This leads to difficulty disengaging from technology and potential negative impacts on mental health.
However, scientists generally believe that neuroplasticity is something that reduces as we age and in particular after our early twenties. Hence the concerns about people’s inabilities to adapt to changes in daily life, particularly in technology.
Time to add a new term to our language “Hypernovelty”: the rapid and unprecedented pace of change in technology, culture, and social structures that we have been experiencing.
New developments especially in digital technology, media, and communication are happening at a rate far exceeding historical norms. This creates a buzz /excitement, but at the risk of making some people feel overwhelmed, because the rate of change is too great for our ability to adapt and catch up.
Just food for thought…
