Gadgets: Your Digital Fix and Mental Detriment All in One

(Krista Strum) Does your “crackberry” really get you high? And, can you become addicted to a phone anyway? Sources say yes.  According to a recent New York Times report about Americans’ growing reliance on gadgets, and the constant need to be “plugged in,” frequent use of a digital device can stimulate brain activity in small bursts…giving somewhat of a mental high.  
 
Problem is: being too reliant on digital devices can actually re-pattern the way people think.  Instead of organically processing thoughts, “crackberry addicts” and the likes, have a hard time fully thinking things through.  According to researchers quoted in the article, “our ability to focus is being undermined by bursts of information;” a pattern that hinders linear thinking and sometimes makes it hard to finish tasks.  
 
Aside from altering the way people think, devices can be tough on relationships as well. We all know that texting, or surfing the Internet, while interacting with spouses, children, and pets can: A) land you on the couch for a night, and/or B) make your loved ones feel unimportant and overlooked. Who wants to play second best to an iPhone?  
 
So, why should you make it a priority to draw strict boundaries between your personal space and your laptop (or other digital device)?  Well first, no one should want to inadvertently re-pattern a God given way of thinking. Second, too many people have already lost their lives due to quick urges to text or surf the Internet while driving.
 
In all, I don’t know any human who wishes they could process information like Google; so let’s recognize that we’re not wired to do so and develop strict boundaries between digital devices and our personal lives. You can start by repeating after me: “I will not sleep with my phone next to my pillow tonight,” —or any other night for that matter!