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NYT: Digital Devices Deprive Brain of Needed Downtime

A recent New York Times article suggests what I already know: We need to unplug from the “digital age” more often and for longer periods.

“Cellphones, which in the last few years have become full-fledged computers with high-speed Internet connections, let people relieve the tedium of exercising, the grocery store line, stoplights or lulls in the dinner conversation.

The technology makes the tiniest windows of time entertaining, and potentially productive. But scientists point to an unanticipated side effect: when people keep their brains busy with digital input, they are forfeiting downtime that could allow them to better learn and remember information, or come up with new ideas.”

 Basically, the modern workforce gets a double whammy in that we are completely addicted to our computers and mobile gadgets and we are becoming workaholics.  Ok, the “we” can very easily be replaced with “I” here.  (Hey, there is a reason why this blog is called Smartphone Fanatics!)

You can read the full article on the New York Times website.

Thanks to Geri for the tip!