How does technology impact cognition?
Everything affects cognition. We are making patterns and connections any time we are paying attention to something. Technology does seem to increase the need for "multitasking." We tend to engross ourselves in multiple forms of technology quite consistently. Are we really doing a good job at any of those tasks if we are splitting up our time so much? If we are switching back and forth too often, are we making proper connections and retaining important information?
How does technology impact memory?
Technology can be a pretty positive component to memory. Technology presents things in a visually exciting format. Technology provides multiple forms of information. This increases the likelihood that we will see information in a form that coordinates with our individual form of retention. We have pictures to help with visual cues, sounds to help with auditory cues, and the ability to create amazing things to help us learn and retain by working hands on.
How does technology interact with the brain's reward centers?
Technology provides instantaneous feedback which is what we all want. We want it now! We want to be told how great and knowledgeable we are. Computer games, if created properly, and very effective at gaining our attention and holding our attention for long periods of time because we are rewarded on a regular basis. We level up, we earn badges, we earn more powers or weapons. What a rush! No wonder technology is so addictive...
How does technology impact cognitive development?
It was mentioned by someone in our discussion yesterday that kids who are introduced to technology before the age of 2 will have some developmental issues. That is frightening. I must have done a lot of damage to my own kids. I remember many times that I turned on the TV for my own child to entertain them while I made dinner or did the dishes. Oops! I can definitely see how too much of the same activity does not give our brain enough "exercise." It is important to have a lot of variety in our technology just as we should have variety in our media.
How do modern children and adolescents differ from their predecessors?
We definitely live in a world today where kids want instant gratification. They want to be entertained. They don't want to find something to entertain them; they just want it to happen without effort. My kids are always "bored"; however, I don't see them trying very hard to entertain themselves. When I was growing up, we were so good at making up games of our own, role playing, being active. We entertained ourselves. My kids are definitely lacking in that department. At school, kids do not want to have to think about a solution, they want to be given the answer if they don't know it immediately.
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