Page 17 - Healthy Brain Living Book

Tip #3 - EmbRaCE TEChnology

Many new technologies exist today that allow people to

communicate with a variety of people instantaneously. By using

these new communication tools in the right way, networks of

people can learn to collaborate globally, discussing ideas and

arriving at possible solutions. You might seize on a problem, learn

about it, and find out what others are thinking. Many decry that

social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter are a waste

of time, keeping us from communicating properly with each other.

Perhaps these social networks deserve a new perspective—what

if we’re using these new technologies to better ourselves and the

world? Strange as it may seem, using social networks as a means

of positive change can build a sense of community among

people working toward a common goal—a sense of community

that goes well beyond the neighborhood.

Tip #4 - balanCE TEChnology WiTh REal-lifE inTERaCTions

While people of all ages use today’s communication tools to

share information or to be aware of where they’re supposed to

be next Thursday at 9 a.m., for example, some have made social

networking a way of life.

And while much of this new order in our lives is good, research

shows that many people spend too much of their time making use of

the sophisticated tools at their disposal. A significant percentage

of the population is using multiple apps and programs at a time,

an effort that can be seen as both negative and positive.

Multitasking involves the part of the brain that governs social

and reasoning behavior and could be detrimental to cognitive

reasoning. Visual and motor skills might be improved, but the

loss of the ability to focus and think things through in an orderly

manner is also possible.

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