"Our attention is hijacked by a barrage of breaking news, cell phone notifications, advertisements, and social media posts. British psychologist Steve Taylor says that we are becoming increasingly distracted and disconnected (2022). What's behind all this? A cultural shift based on our increasing use of electronic technology. Psychologists Jean Twenge and Jonathan Haidt have warned that the increasing use of smartphones has led to growing anxiety among young people (Haidt, 2024; Twenge, 2018)."
"The use of computers has affected how we see ourselves. Many people practice multitasking, believing that our brains, like computers, can have several "windows" open at once. But research at UCLA has shown that, unlike computers, humans cannot really multitask. Our brains shift from one task to the next, losing focus and concentration with each shift (Foerde, Knowlton & Poldrack, 2006)."
Lives are filled with distractions from breaking news, cell phone notifications, advertisements, and social media. Electronic technology and rising smartphone use have increased distraction and anxiety among young people and negatively affect children's developing brains. Many adults are contacted by employers outside business hours, producing frequent interruptions at home and a constant sense of being on call. Humans cannot truly multitask; brains shift between tasks, reducing focus and concentration. Sleep deprivation decreases prefrontal cortex activity and heightens amygdala activation, impairing emotional regulation and attention. Chronic stress from constant distraction undermines emotional and physical health. Seven mindful practices can help regain peace of mind and strengthen focus.
Read at Psychology Today
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