Have you ever noticed how every time you set foot in an elevator, every person inside is suddenly glued to their phone? The days of casual conversations seem to be over because not only are we too preoccupied with our digital devices, we are too awkward as well. Access to technology has altered human interaction as well as productivity.
Leading neuroscientist Dr. Richard Davidson discussed how digital devices trigger the same brain systems that addictive substances do at the Thrive CEO Summit at Adweek on Oct. 1, reported The Huffington Post. These brain systems give immediate feedback and are highly reinforcing.
Davidson described how “mindfulness and stress-relieving practices” can help us use technology when we really need it, as opposed to in excess according to The Huffington Post. Davidson also suggested tools such as plug-ins that block social media to aid in lessening dependency on technology. While plug-ins appear to be an efficient way to reduce our access to social media at all times and places, Colin Rego, a senior international business and marketing major at the University of Tampa believes that there would be a lot more repercussions that people would immediately think of.
“I feel that for other people to control when you could access things would violate so many laws and cause so many issues. I don’t think it would work,” Rego said, who strongly believes that our society is addicted to digital devices. “Anything that… we find some sort of joy and pleasure and some sort of accomplishment…through electronics,” said Rego, “it becomes addictive, it becomes who we are. Like if I took your phone away you wouldn’t be the same person…phones are becoming an extension of our personalities.” He explained how he thinks people cannot go more than two minutes without utilizing their mobile devices. However, technology addiction doesn’t stop at phones and social media.
In October 2007, 16 year-old Daniel Petric shot and killed his mother and seriously injured his father after they took away the violent video game Halo 3 as reported by ABC news. The Journal of Experimental Social Psychology discussed how growing bodies of research have demonstrated a causal correlation between video game violence and aggressive behavior, thoughts, and feelings.
With video games facilitating changes in our behavior, especially to extremes such as Petric’s, I am concerned with the amount our society engages in technology. It seems to me that in Petric’s case, he was brainwashed by the content in the video. Constantly gunning down opponents who are almost humanized during online play with other people, desensitizes people to murder and violence in general.
The Journal of Experimental Social Psychology reported that with as little as ten minutes of exposure to violent content in video games, people become more aggressive. This research has changed my attitude toward violent video games. I think these type of games should be watched more closely and more studies should be done regarding why these types of games can facilitate acts as violent as murder.
It bothers me that social interaction is more difficult and awkward because of social media. If we changed the way we use technology, and use it to its full potential instead of using it to stalk people’s Facebook, there would still be some mystery and intrigue when it comes to meeting new people. Technology can also have much more damaging effects than an awkward social life, such as aggressive attitudes and behavior. I think it’s important for our society to take a step back and consider the possible consequences of the future: a world where we cannot confidently and effectively communicate face-to-face.
Liz Rockett can be reached at elizabeth.rockett@spartans.ut.edu