<h2 class="wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper" id="crosshead">Mobile mindset</h2>

9.15am. A message from your grandma. 9.19am. Your friend just posted on Instagram. 9.22am. You just spent £1.50 via online banking. 9.26am. Your sister reacted to your BeReal. 9.28am. A new episode of your favourite podcast is available to download now.

The average American adult checks their phone 344 times every day - or roughly once every four minutes. Now, experts in psychology, neuroscience, technology and more are asking: what is this doing to our minds?

While some argue that technology has a mostly positive impact on our cognitive abilities and mental health, others warn of the potential risks and drawbacks of excessive screen time.

Some experts believe that technology can influence our thinking patterns and behaviours. We have known for many years that the human brain is highly adaptable, which means it can change in response to different experiences. Therefore, when someone spends a lot of time using digital media, they are essentially training their brain to process information in a new way.

Some argue that technology can enhance our cognitive abilities by providing new opportunities for learning, creativity and social interaction. For example, online education platforms such as DuoLingo have gamifiedMade into a game. the learning of languages, while social networking sites can help people connect with others who share their interests and expand their knowledge and skills.

However, excessive screen time and social media use can also have negative consequences for mental health, such as increased anxiety, depression and loneliness. One recent report found that adults in the US spend almost three hours a day on their devices.

Other experts have raised concerns about the impact of technology on attention spans, memory and critical thinking skills. Some researchers suggest that the constant distractions and information overload of digital media can make it harder for people to focus and retain information. One study showed that just having your phone in the same room as you reduced the ability to process and remember information. 

In the 1960s and 1970s, scientists discovered that lead in fuel was linked to poor cognitiveRelating to the processes of thinking and reasoning. performance in children. Soon, countries around the world began to ban it, starting with Japan in 1986 and ending with Algeria in 2021. Now, nearly 16 years on from the launch of the iPhone, some argue that we need new laws to tackle mobile phone usage.

However, not all experts agree on the extent of these effects or the best ways to address them. As with all new technologies, the long term effects of phone use are still unknown. Some argue that technology can be used in more intentional and mindful ways to enhance rather than detract from our mental health and wellbeing.

It is a debate that is likely to continue for years to come. As technology continues to advance and reshape our lives, it will be up to individuals, policymakers and society as a whole to determine how best to navigate this digital landscape and its effects on our minds and our world.

Yes: Technology can alter our minds by changing the way we think, behave, and perceive the world around us. And excessive use of technology can have negative effects on our wellbeing.

No: Technology alone cannot alter our minds. Our brains have the capacity to adapt and change to our environment. We have the power to regulate our use of technology and control any potential negative impacts.

Or... While some technologies can enhance our cognitive abilities and improve our quality of life, others can lead to addiction, distractibility, and cognitive overload. It is important to find a balance.

Gamified - Made into a game.

Cognitive - Relating to the processes of thinking and reasoning.