When it comes to watching a movie, many of us struggle to resist the urge to scroll through social media. Recent research suggests that this habit may be even more detrimental than we realize. A 2019 study titled “Do You Enjoy TV, while Tweeting?” examined the effects of multitasking on viewing habits. The study found that engaging with social media while watching television impairs emotional responses and decreases the sense of transportation, which refers to the level of attention given to the content.
However, the negative impact of multitasking with technology goes beyond just our emotional responses. Scientists working with marketing agency HeyHuman have discovered that switching between gadgets triggers the release of the chemical L-dopa, which produces the hormone dopamine. They argue that this constant switching is “worse than being stoned” and is rewiring our brains, ultimately lowering our intelligence quotient. In essence, our reliance and overuse of technology are putting our brains at risk.
The debate over excessive screen time has been a topic of interest, with many wondering how much is too much. Michael Rich, director of the Center on Media and Child Health at Boston Children’s Hospital, emphasizes that it’s not necessarily about the duration of screen use, but rather how our brains interact with it. He explains that games and social media operate on a variable reward system, similar to a slot machine, where a mixture of hope, frustration, and skill is involved. It is important to consider how we choose to use technology and its impact on our cognitive, social, and emotional development.
Rich believes that we can adapt alongside technology, but we must be mindful of the consequences. Instead of entering a moral panic over children’s smartphone use, he suggests focusing on understanding the effects on their overall development. It’s crucial to strike a balance between the positive and negative aspects of our technology use and find ways to enhance the positive while mitigating the negative effects.
In conclusion, the findings from various studies indicate that multitasking with technology, particularly engaging in social media while watching TV or movies, can have detrimental effects on our emotional responses and cognitive abilities. As technology continues to advance, it is essential for individuals to be aware of their own habits and make conscious choices about how they engage with it.