busyScientists Fear Technology May Be Rewiring Our Brains
When the brain spends more time on technology-related tasks and less time exposed to other people, it drifts away from fundamental social skills like reading facial expressions during conversation, Small asserts.
So brain circuits involved in face-to-face contact can become weaker, he suggests. That may lead to social awkwardness, an inability to interpret nonverbal messages, isolation and less interest in traditional classroom learning.
... this really sounds like the anti-bookworm propaganda some teachers heaped on me when I was younger, because I preferred the company of books to that of the banal little beasts they called my classmates. And while I've got some nearby friends, frankly I prefer the company of online folks to most of the locals, because the Midwest is not exactly a hotbed of culture and brilliance. The scientists may have a point in there somewhere, but if they want to sell it to intellectuals, boy howdy they'd better find a better way to phrase it.
December 10 2008, 18:35:52 UTC 12 years ago
It's one thing to "choose" to have most of your social circle be online -- you for instance work online all day and you also live in the middle of nowhere, with no transportation of your own -- and it's another to have all your "friends" be online bc one is incapable of actually having an adult relationship with a real person face to face.
On the other hand...perhaps the scientists are wrong. Perhaps it's more that these people ahve always existed, but before modern technology they were invisible, or maybe even oppressed by being forced to live in a culture where they could not thrive. (as opposed to the idea that technology is CREATING these people).
hmmmm
Me -- I am definitely not a better me online than in person. In person I tend to bite my tongue more and try to fit in to the prevailing paradigm.
December 10 2008, 20:31:06 UTC 12 years ago
Perhaps it's more that these people ahve always existed
Of course they have. My grandmother was one - she was annoyed by efforts to involve her more, she *liked* having a routine and not seeing many people and being on her own in her flat. Right now, my next door neighbour is such a person - far from unsociable, but very happy to close his door behind him and not have anyone intrude. Confirmed bachelors used to be an accepted species, and really, it suits some people.
December 11 2008, 16:23:14 UTC 12 years ago
December 11 2008, 17:22:45 UTC 12 years ago
December 11 2008, 18:34:14 UTC 12 years ago
December 11 2008, 18:34:41 UTC 12 years ago
Hmm...
December 11 2008, 19:01:06 UTC 12 years ago
"Boston marriage" was a phrase for two women living together ... oddly varied, because sometimes it was used quite respectably, and other times not, and that didn't always depend on whether lesbianism was hinted or not.