There have been sizeable changes in the skill-set of human beings with the advent of technology. It is not unnatural that the discovery of any tool modifies the human skill set. In fact, there is now conclusive proof that even reading and writing reprograms the organization of the brain, much like the use of any tool. It is thus undeniable that the use (or overuse) of technology can potentially alter the brain.
- Multiple studies have shown shrinkage in gray matter areas due to internet/gaming addiction.
- Impaired cognitive functioning and other alterations of the brain have also been noticed in cases of screen time overuse.
- A study shows college students remember less information when they knew they could easily access it later.
- Other skills such as direction (to GPS), handwriting (to typing), and mental arithmetic (to calculators) are losing out as well.
Skills have always been lost in time – we no longer light a fire using flint stones. As long as old skills are replaced by equivalent new ones, we are safe. But when the loss of a skill set leaves a void that has not been filled, we must rethink the situation and take steps to regain the balance, don’t you think?
Lakshmi is a ‘working mother,’ a clichéd phrase she believes to be tautology. On the professional front, she has been a science writer for about two decades and is still nerdy enough to be excited about inventions, discoveries and developments. As a mother, also for about two decades, she has raised a charming daughter in the digital era. The daughter is an adult now, but Lakshmi is still learning about parenting a digital native. Being a writer, she can’t help sharing what she learns with those who seek answers and solutions to parenting issues.
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