Technology - The Negative Effects Of Instant Gratification

Without proper downtime the brain does not process information and experiences which can prohibit you from learning.

At the University of California, San Francisco, scientists have found that when rats have a new experience, like exploring an unfamiliar area, their brains show new patterns of activity. But only when the rats take a break from their exploration do they process those patterns in a way that seems to create a persistent memory of the experience.

Technology has allowed what normally would be idle time, like going for a walk. Turn into a online shopping spree. Depriving the brain of idle time (processing time). These small breaks throughout the day allow your brain to rest, too learn.

It's not that obtaining a particular piece of information almost instantly is a bad thing. It's the long term effects of instant information and entertainment that are negative. It is said that "One of the most prominent things technology does is nurture a societal philosophy of instant gratification." Simply put, the information we are granted access to via technology is so plentiful and so relied upon, that we sometimes do not even process the information that is being put in front of us. Information is put in front of us at such a rapid pace, that our brains do not process the information unless we actually stop. And think about what we read.

Citation:

Pollette, Chris. "Put Down the Electronics and Back Away." (2010): n. pag. Web. 5 Sep 2010. .

Richtel, Matt. "Your Brain on Computers Digital Devices Deprive Brain of Needed Downtime." New York Times (2010): 1,2. Web. 5 Sep 2010. .