For years we have known that people are becoming more and more reliant on our modern way of communicating. In many instances, it is far simpler to send a message than it is to talk. Talking is hardwired into our brain, and when we send a message electronically our brain does not register that we have 'talked' to someone. Thus, we don't feel the same satisfaction as if we had held an actual conversation.
For years we have also known the many adverse effects of using technology. The blue light used in our devices disrupt the melatonin sequencing breaking our sleep patterns and also increasing the risk of macular degeneration.
What is not so well known is that recent research indicates that our devices are severing the connection between the limbic and frontal lobes of our brain. The limbic system is where our emotions, memory, body temperature, sleep rhythms, and many of the essential 'alert' systems sit. Our frontal cortex is responsible for planning, reasoning, problem solving, and similar responsibilities.
In their book, Brain Wash, Doctors David and Austin Perlmutter explore the disconnection between the limbic and frontal lobes caused by our modern life. In summary, whenever we use our devices we receive shots of dopamine that reward us. Dopamine is highly addictive because it makes us feel so great.
Try sitting next to your device for two hours without looking at it!
The dopamine reward is not only addictive, but also severing the connection between the limbic system and the frontal lobes meaning we are no longer able to think things through fully before acting. Hence, we purchase things on the internet that we may not need, we post prolifically to get continual rewards, and we might make comments on social media that we wouldn't ordinarily say in person.
Furthermore, the more time that we spend on our devices the stronger the connection is to the pathways associated with impulse, anxiousness, and fear. Do you absolutely have to buy that item or make that comment right now, is it due to the fear that you will miss out or otherwise become anxious for not doing so, or is it the dopamine hit you crave? It's usually a double whammy - you don't want to miss out and you crave the dopamine hit.
That's not all. Dopamine is closely associated with addictive foods. Once you have brought that item or made a comment on social media, do you then celebrate with sweet foods?
With this disconnection, our impulses which are located in the limbic system, aren't being kept in check by the prefrontal lobe which is why we end in the spiral of anxiousness, worry, and anxiety.
The good news is that we can rebuild that broken connection, it just takes time. Restricting the use of technology is one option yet one that I least prefer. Technology has enhanced our lives and will continue to do so. Therefore, adaption is the key.
Learning how to use our smart devices more efficiently is a great start, limiting the time that we spend using them until we adapt properly. The most preferred method of adaptation is to exercise! Old fashioned, I know, but neuroscience confirms why exercise helps us reconnect between the two parts of our brain.
Have you ever gone for a short walk when you've had something playing on your mind and you felt much better when you got back? Ever suddenly had an epiphany while out walking, an idea suddenly spring into your head?
When we exercise for just 15 to 20 minutes, a few things happen. We burn off adrenaline and cortisol which means we will sleep much better as both of those 'chemicals' heighten our state or alertness . Endorphins are also produced as we exercise. Endorphins reduce pain making us feel calmer, and also reconnect the limbic with the prefrontal thus giving us our aha moment.
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