Since technology has taken over, humans have become partially or entirely dependent upon technology and gadgets. Excessive use of technology has apparent interference with normal brain functioning. Before going to the depths of the topic, we need to comprehend the chemistry of the human brain.
How does the Human brain work?
The human brain is a complex structure, and no technology can surpass or become equivalent to this incredible mechanism of nature. “The brain is a symphony orchestra”, according to researcher Zack Y. Shan, head of the neuroimaging platform at the Thompson Institute at Australia’s University of the Sunshine Coast.
We are extensively exposed to our environment’s non-ionizing radiation (NIR). The most frequent sources of NIR are cell phone towers and mobile phones, which constantly emit potential microwave radiation (MWR).
In recent years, the levels of these electromagnetic waves have increased manifold from artificial sources. It is alarming for human health, especially the central nervous system of the human brain, which is on the verge of all possible adverse effects of technology, as the brain absorbs 80 percent of the radiation emitted by mobile phones (Kesari et al., 2013).
Radiation Exposure and neurochemistry
Radiations can cause long-lasting and irreversible changes in the overall chemistry of the brain. Modifying neuronal electrical activity increases the permeability of the Blood–Brain-Barrier (BBB) and causes disturbances in neurotransmitter release.
With these changes in brain chemistry, multiple apparent changes like dizziness, lethargy, insomnia, headaches, behavioral changes, psychological issues, speech delays, memory deprivation, and cognitive instability may happen.
Usage of AI and its impacts on the brain
AI has surpassed the limits beyond imagination in this era, specifically during the last three decades. Every age group is tech-savvy and seriously prone to the use of gadgets. Moreover, our lives have become digital. It won’t be a surprise if we say technology and gadgets have become one of our vital organs.
Besides, knowledge and information are easily accessible due to advancements in technology. It provides diverse platforms for kids and adults to gain information, increase cognition, and interact more efficiently and rapidly.
The realization that our brains are pliable, so the impact of technology and any other source we choose to get information from can positively and negatively affect our brain and interfere with neurochemistry along the synapsis.
Structural Changes in the Brain
Technology sparks the adverse onset of brain-related issues. It affects the neurochemistry of the brain center that monitors attention. Researchers from the United Kingdom and France have found that frequent exposure to technology media may contribute to the diminished gray matter of the anterior cingulate cortex; this area of the brain controls attention.
Multiple case studies have been demonstrated to draw a link between the use of computers, screen time, and the symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A 2014 meta-analysis indicated a correlation between media use and attention problems.
Impact on Cognitive and Brain Development
Screen time has adverse impacts on cognitive and brain development. In a recent review, children under two years of age were reported to spend over 1 hour each day in front of a screen; at the age of three years, the number exceeded three hours.
It has been noted that increased screen time and less reading time have been associated with poor language and executive functioning development, particularly in very young children. Too much early exposure to the screen has halted the natural phenomena of speech and language development through lip movement.
Case studies also suggest infant behavioral problems, speech delays, and increased screen time were among several predicted factors. Increased screen time for infants, six to twelve months was linked to poorer early language development. In children of preschool age and older, digital media directed toward active learning can be educational, but only when supervised by parental interaction.
Impaired emotional and social intelligence
The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that parents should limit screen time for children aged two years or younger; at this stage, the brain is remarkably malleable. Early and prolonged exposure might risk the developing brain, mainly if it is sensitive to chronic exposure to smartphones, computers, tablets, or even televisions. Spending extensive periods with digital media is inversely proportionate to spending less time communicating face to face.
A case study conducted by Kirsh and Mounts explored the hypothesis that playing video games would interfere with the ability to recognize emotions conveyed through facial expressions.
They examined the effects of playing video games on the recognition of facial expressions of emotions in 197 students (ages between 17 and 23 years). Participants played violent video games before watching a series of calm faces morphing into happy or angry faces. Then, all the participants were asked to identify the emotion quickly while the facial expression changed.
The authors found that happy faces were identified faster than angry faces and that playing violent video games delayed happy-face recognition time.
Wearing out of the pleasure center of the brain
Dopamine is the neurotransmitter released in response to the stimulus of pleasure or excitement. When we take in near-constant technological inputs of text messages, videos on YouTube, video games, or pictures, the pleasure centers of our brain, which are (the ventral tegmental area, basal ganglia, and the nucleus acumens) can become hyperstimulated by dopamine.
The overstimulation of the brain’s pleasure centers becomes less responsive to various other enjoyable experiences like satiating your appetite for a meal, having conversations, reading a book, or holding hands.
Reduced physical activity
Addiction to digital gadgets can preoccupy us indoors, causing us to need to catch up in outdoor experiences and physical activities. Our bodies need constant physical activity to strengthen our muscles and cardiovascular system. Studies have linked increased computer and technology use with a sedentary lifestyle and obesity (Fotheringham, Wonnacott, & Owen, 2000).
Effects on Memory
Dependency on social media platforms to gain knowledge has adversely affected our memory store. Research shows that our IQs have reduced, and we remember less information by becoming dependent on Google and other platforms. Sparrow, Liu, and Wegner, 2011) conducted an interesting case study where the participants were asked to type 40 trivia facts.
Half of them were told that the computer would save their work, and the other half were told the laptop would erase their work. Next, all of them were asked to write down as many trivia facts they could recall from their memory. The latter group performed much better than the former, who were told their work had been saved on the computer.
This decreased long-term and working memory phenomenon is often called the “Google Effect.” When we consider that some researchers believe cognitive conditions like Alzheimer’s disease could be associated with failing to maximize our mental capacities, the Google Effect becomes alarming.
Reduced Sleep
One of the adverse effects of technology on the human brain is the lack of sleep as induced by the excessive use of screens. LED (Light Emitting Diode) of computers and phone screens emit slow waves of blue light. The wavelength of this blue light interferes with the circadian rhythms that govern the brain’s sleep cycle. Exposure to LED screens causes changes in melatonin levels and, eventually, a reduced quality of sleep, which also results in poor cognition.
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Muniba Usman is a high school teacher and teaching trainer by profession. She has a BS (HONS) in Microbiology and a diploma in Textile and Fashion design. She has a strong passion for research, arts, reading and writing. She has written many scientific articles and fiction stories for children.
