Seems we have a debate raging on the effects of the use of technology on the human brain. And as in most debates, there are two sides to this argument. On one side, there are those who think that the increase in the use of computers – the Internet, Google, FaceBook, Twitter, PowerPoint, etc. – is making us all morons who are losing our ability to do critical thinking and properly interact with each other in person. And on the other side, there are those who think that technology has actually made us smarter or at least is helping us better manage an explosion of information in a fast-paced and changing world.
So who is right? Well, my guess is that both sides have some valid arguments.
If you spend all your time sitting at a computer (please do not shut yours down right now!), you probably are not going to develop personal relationship skills and benefit from live interaction. The ability to read body language and develop other face-to-face human contact skills actually involves being with other people. You can’t do it through a computer screen. This is a concern today about young people who, it is estimated, spend on average around nine hours a day with their technology in some form or fashion. They are calling these folks “digital natives.” They have grown up with technology, are very comfortable with it and they don’t know anything different.
On the other hand, you have older generations (that would be me). They call them “digital immigrants” who have come to technology at a later stage in their lives and usually more reluctantly. But even these folks are using technology, just not at the same level of intensity as younger generations. Even these digital immigrants have recognized that technology is not inherently bad and in many ways can enhance the learning experience.
I think this current debate is similar to ones that have raged in the past. Every time a new technology is rolled out, there are the adopters and the detractors. The key issue in the case of technology, as with most things, is to establish some sense of moderation in its use. I know from my experience that it is easy to get swept up into a 24/7 world where we never can put down our handheld or stop reading e-mails or surfing the Internet. That is why it is important to establish some boundaries and ground rules for how you use technology. Otherwise, it can end up controlling you, instead of the other way around.
There is no turning back the clock. For better or worse, technology is here and it isn’t going away. We need to use it to our advantage while maintaining that which makes us uniquely human – the ability to communicate and interact with others and to appreciate the world in which we live. So once in a while, turn off the computer, take a walk and enjoy the company of family and friends. And leave your PDA at home when you do it.
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