Our online habits can affect the way our brains function and consolidate memories. Typical online behaviour involves performing quick searches and jumping quickly from page to page, while responding to messages and notifications that each set us off on yet another tangent. This feels good because human brains release dopamine as a reward for finding new information. However, as Nicholas Carr states, “living in this perpetual state of distraction/interruption … crowds out more contemplative, calmer modes of thinking” that are necessary for memory consolidation, learning, and knowledge synthesis (Epipheo, 2013). This constant consumption of content jeopardizes creativity, innovation, and higher-order thinking. In our attempts to prevent “boredom,” we immediately pull out our phone to fill any spare sliver of time, thus preventing the mind from the critical processes of reflection and daydreaming, which are not only relaxing, but are also known to lead to new insights and ideas. Additionally, the behaviour of constantly checking social media and constantly consuming content has been linked, in several studies, to higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.
I wish I could shout this from the rooftops. I personally know for a fact my anxiety is increased when I keep my nose stuck to my screen. Why is that? It's because of all the nonsense that is posted to public forums, it is because the horrible events are publicized more so than the good events. I have known several people who have taken a 'screen break' and come back from it so much healthier mentally, but get drug back into the same dark hole. As society, what would we do without technology and a screen? How different would YOUR life be if you came home from work and set your phone face down, and were just present in your home for the evening. Would your children be happier? Would you and your spouse bond more? I think it is something everyone should make a challenge to succeed.