I'm currently reading a book called Mind Change, by Susan Greenfield. It's a fascinating exploration of how the brain becomes a mind and how it is being transformed by social media and our obsession with technology.
But first i'll let Louis CK set the stage...
http://www.cnet.com/news/louis-c-k-why-i-wont-let-my-kids-have-cell-phones/
Here's are some facts from Mind Change:
- Oxytocin is a hormone that enhances feelings of well being and increases in production in teenage years
- Dopamine is a neurotransmitter system in the brain that is linked to feelings of pleasure. . Dopamine production reaches its lifetime peak in adolescence.
- Human beings are social creatures. Loneliness is bad for your health. Women with fewer social relationships experience strokes at 2x the rate of those with more. Can increase the incidence of cardiovascular disease through reduced levels of Oxytocin, which surges during close physical contact and is associated with well-being
- 62% of smartphone users check their phones as soon as they wake up. 79% within the first 15 minutes
- Since 1970 the radius of play, namely the amount of space surrounding the home in which a child freely wanders has shrunk by 90%
- In 2012 24% of users of US adult social networking sites reported missing out on a key event or moment in their lives because they were so absorbed in updating their profile
- 52% of Facebook users visit daily, 33% Twitter
- Average smartphone Facebook user checks their profile 14 times a day
- In 1987 humans spent an average of 6 hours a day in face to face social interaction and 4 hours via electronic. In 2007 the proportion had reversed to almost 8 hours a day electronically and only 2.5 hours face to face
- People who report feeling lonely also apparently are more strongly emotionally attached to Facebook
So for this post:
- What conclusions can you draw from the facts given above?
- Do you agree with Louis CK? Should parents be more careful around their children's cell phone use? We're your parent's?
