NEW! Screen Time and the Brain

The Cognitive Impact of Digital Life

By Adam J Lynott

"Technology doesn’t just do things for us. It does things to us, changing not just what we do, but who we are." - Sherry Turkle.

Cyberpsychology is a branch of psychology that studies how humans interact with and develop in tandem with technology.  It encompasses the psychological phenomena associated with emerging technologies and explores the impact of digital environments on human cognition, emotion, and behavior. As we develop these new technologies, they modify our perceptions, experiences, and the fabric of our social and psychological realities, sometimes for the better and sometimes to our detriment. Technology is profoundly shaping our psychological well-being and neural functioning with social media, cognitive adaptation, and technology addiction.

Social Media and Identity

“The reason we struggle with insecurity is that we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel.” - Steven Furtick

Constant exposure to social media, where lives are portrayed through glowing filters, can lead the user to feeling inadequate and higher cases of low self-esteem. Contributing to ones feeling of depression and anxiety, users compare their lives to others who are projecting perfection in their lives. Adding to that, social media platforms can also be breeding grounds for cyberbullying. This digital landscape can foster feelings of isolation, as genuine human connections are often sacrificed for superficial ones. The pervasive Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) drives compulsive checking and scrolling, leading to a cycle of dissatisfaction and disconnection from one's immediate surroundings. Moreover, the algorithms on these platforms tend to amplify negative content, exposing users to a disproportionate amount of distressing information.

To combat these detrimental effects, individuals should consider limiting their social media use, setting clear boundaries such as designated "unplugged" times, and practicing mindfulness to stay grounded in the present moment. Cultivating offline relationships, engaging in fulfilling hobbies, and regularly reflecting on one's own values and achievements can also serve as powerful antidotes to the psychological pitfalls of social media.

Cognitive Adaptation and Digital Environments

“Having google on our phones is ruining our lives. We know everything, but we’re not a lick smarter for it.” -Pete Holmes

In 1909, E.M. Forster published a short story called “The Machine Stops”. In this dystopian landscape, a futuristic machine controls everything, from food supply to information technologies. All communication is remote, and face-to-face meetings no longer happen. The machine controls the mindset of humanity, and they are completely reliant upon it. Sounds like we’re living in the prequel to that story.  

The internet and digital devices have changed how our brains work in society. The first being our attention spans. Now, we’re used to quick updates and instant information, and it makes it harder to focus on one thing at a time. Secondly, our collective memory is now much worse than it was prior to the internet. We don’t remember as many facts, as we now look them up. However, our memory does shine with remembering where to look information up online. Multitasking comes in as the third point. We think we are good at doing multiple things at once, however, we’re now just quicker at switching between tasks. And finally, information overload. Our brains are showing fatigue a lot quicker as they are inundated with a barrage of information.

To help our brains stay healthy, we can all set aside time each day to focus on one task without distractions, practice remembering valuable information instead of always looking it up and take regular breaks from our devices to rest our minds.

Technology Addiction and Mental Health

“By bringing the world together, social media is tearing it apart.” - Naval Ravikant

Technology addiction involves excessive use of technology that leads to problems and distress. When a person is addicted to technology, these activities are done to avoid or alleviate feelings of anxiety or irritability, rather than for fun and recreation. Users with technology addiction can experience symptoms of tolerance and withdrawal like people with substance use disorders and it is spanning most cultures and countries.

Technology addiction is being treated much like any other addiction. First step is to do an assessment on the individual from a licensed therapist. They can also find underlying issues such as anxiety or depression that are contributing to the addiction. There are even 12 step programs and support groups to look into. Even medications have shown to be effective to treat online gambling addiction as well as ADHD medications have been used successfully to treat internet gaming addictions.

Final Thoughts

“Unplugging helps you refocus on yourself instead of being pulled in a zillion different directions. Those directions may all be important, but you are just as important” – Arin Murphy-Hiscock

Technology has and will continue to shape our lives daily. Cyberpsychology, studies the effect it has on our cognition, how we interact with it, and understanding human behavior when it is being used. However, as strong of an influence it has on our lives, we must remember to take a break from it. Set apart time monthly, weekly, and daily to unplug and spend time with friends and family. Go out in nature and re-center yourself. Take up a hobby that gets you away from the screen. And don’t ever forget-

You are worth it.