According to Nicholas Carr, a technology writer found at bigthink.com, the internet has tradeoffs in relation to certain skills developed and how our brain perform. One example Mr. Carr points out is that the internet enhances our ability to keep track of multiple items on a screen at one time. In exchange for this ability, we lose the ability to concentrate on one item for a sustained period. There is a diagnosis associated with having difficulty getting focused and staying focused on a task or activity. This diagnosis is becoming more commonplace among teens today; it is called ADD / ADHD.
Surprising how the use of the internet can have a negative effect that is associated with a diagnosis like ADD/ADHD and is dominate in our youth today. It’s also interesting how our youth today are the same individuals that have lived / are living their entire life in the age of the internet, not knowing anything else.
Another thing I found interesting is with the increase of video game addiction. Researchers are discovering that video game addiction is contributing to problems such as depression and anxiety and that this problem is a global concern. These studies, focused on age groups under the age of 18, are finding that anywhere between 7 to 11 percent of individuals that play games develop a gaming addiction problem. Again the problem is becoming common place with teens that have lived their lives with video games, not remembering a time without them.
But I cannot say it’s all on the younger generation. There are plenty of occurrences where adults have been obsessed with technology and the internet. For instance, New York State has a hands free law for cell phone use, not only because of talking on the phone but also from texting, and twitter use etc…
Ever wonder why that is needed?
Here is another example: A women falling into a fountain at a mall because she was texting while walking.
How many of us can see us doing something similar?
For all the times when the internet and technology is useful, and provides value in our lives, I sometimes wonder if it is worth it.
