Computers have taken over our everyday lives. What’s the first thing most people do when they wake up in the morning? If they are not pressed for time, they probably brew a fresh pot of coffee and sit down at their computer for a few minutes of email, Facebook and perhaps to look at a bit of local or national news.
As Computers have taken over our everyday lives, it makes you wonder if common, everyday tasks like doing math are being lost along the way? Do we really sit down and compute math problems on a piece of paper like the good old days or do we turn to the computer or cell phone to do even the most common tasks of addition and subtraction?
There is little scientific research in this area however, scientists have determined that dealing with online information, email, cell phone calls and other types of daily information may be changing how we think.
All of this information scientists say tends to get us addicted to ‘bursts’ or information. In essence when we are inundated with computer information, our body releases a tiny amount of dopamine. When you shut off all the computer information, the body tends to become bored.
Seems we are all busier these days. Gotta check the email, have to check the minutes available on my phone, need to make sure the television is set to record our favorite shows. Many people think that being busy with these types of tasks make them more adept at multi-tasking. Scientists say otherwise.
People that multitask all the time have trouble focusing and shutting out useless information. Research shows that many of those studied are more stressed and are less productive.
Seems like it might be time to start doing math in the head again and shutting off all those electronic devices when possible.