MINNEAPOLIS — Our whole society seems to be hooked on our devices. But is this device dependency coming at a cost? And what should we do about it, both for our children's sake and our own?
Developmental psychologist Dr. Marti Erickson, co-host of the Mom Enough podcast, stopped by KARE 11 Saturday with insights from the latest neurological research.
"Our brains are still the same as they were in the stone age, attuned to be on guard for changes in our environment, for novel things that could signal a threat," Dr. Erickson said. "Big Tech knows that and hires huge numbers of psychologists and behavioral experts to figure out how to demand our attention and compel us to go where they want us.
"Recent research highlights how that intense and relentless stimulation uses up the limited energy of our brains, reduces our ability to sustain focus, and interferes with working memory," Erickson added.
Also concerning are the social implications, especially for young children. Excessive device use correlates with reduced eye contact, impaired language development, and decreased ability to interpret emotional and social cues.
Experts recommend several strategies to mitigate digital overload:
- Establish device-free times, such as during meals
- Use device settings to minimize alerts and interruptions
- Limit screen time for infants and toddlers
- Reconnect with offline activities and interests
In the latest episode of the Mom Enough podcast, Dr. Erickson dives deeper in the topic of devices dominating our lives with Dr. Richard Cytowic, neurology professor from George Washington University and author of "Your Stone Age Brain in the Screen Age: Coping with Digital Distraction and Sensory Overload."