The Effects of Technology on the Brain - Research Paper Example

Here Here Here Here The Effects of Technology on the Brain and the Dopamine Reward Circuit In the past few decades, the application of scientific progress has led to an explosion of technologically advanced consumer products. Computers have infiltrated the majority of homes in the developed world and have brought the Internet into day-to-day household operations. Entertainment platforms like televisions and game systems have become more advanced in recent years with computer-like applications and integration into the online network of the home. Even unexpected items like refrigerators and ovens have been receiving upgrades in favor of computer processing and Internet connectivity. Technological advance has also been responsible for the explosion of personal computer devices that are now available. The formerly impressive cellular phone has been abandoned in exchange for a more complex device that is capable of texting, instant messaging, and other Internet services. Interestingly, these miniature computers are still capable of voice communication, and even masquerade under the title of “phone” even though this feature is rarely used. Other devices such as tablets and mp3 players have ensured our ongoing connection to technology through virtually every waking moment. The omnipresence of technology in today’s developed society has made the examination of its influence an important topic in many fields of study. We will discuss the implications of technology as it relates to the human brain and behavior. The human brain is malleable through all stages of life (more so in some than others), as are the patterns of behaviors we enact. The neural network known as the mesocorticolimbic pathway is one of the most important behavior related systems in the brain. This term encompasses two smaller paths: the mesocortical pathway and the corticolimbic pathway. Each of these systems is a major pathway for the neurotransmitter dopamine. This chemical performs many roles within the brain, and it is widely studied for its potential role in motivation and emotional responses. The brain’s reward system is a related function that is also often attributed to this dopamine network. Some theories suggest that a stimulus gains the status of being a reward when it is accompanied by some release of dopamine. This release may grow larger as the stimulus gains strength as a reward. A high amount of dopamine release is believed to be directly related to the development of addictions, and in this manner it is possible that technologies can actually become an addictive product. Home and portable computer-based products provide an avenue for the instant gratification of the desire to access technology (Toronto 117). Due to this widespread availability, addictions to technology could grow covertly as the brain’s reward system is continually altered. A study by Hoeft et al. (253) examined the response of the mesocorticolimbic system to computer game-play using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). This tool allows for the real-time observation of changes in the brain by generating digital pictures from electromagnetic information. Twenty-two subjects (11 male and 11 female) were involved in the experiment. The researchers found that there was significant activation across the entire group of subjects in brain areas that are associated with rewards and addiction. Activation of the mesocorticolimbic pathway was more intense in male subjects, and the authors suggest that this is due to the skewed reward system of the male brain toward video games and competition. These findings demonstrate the infiltration of the brain’s reward system by technology. In this case, technology in the form of computer games appears to act as a reward (possibly by triggering the release of dopamine), strengthening the possibility of its occurrence in daily behavior and presenting the risk for addiction. The potential for technology to become an addiction is a very serious matter, especially when the pervasiveness of its influence is taken into account. Another experiment used fMRI to observe the brain during Internet searching using Google (Small, Moody, Siddarth, and Bookheimer 116). The authors studied groups of older people (55-76) as they used the Google engine to search for information. It was found that the brain reacted differently for subjects who had prior experience with search engines. The authors interpret the findings as displaying a larger activation of neural systems that is not necessarily due to an improvement in cognitive skills alone (though it is a likely contributor), but may also represent an alteration in the structure of the brain due to the influence of this technology. This interpretation is compatible with the alteration of the brain’s reward-dopamine system, and suggests that technology use can lead to changes in even the most mature brains. The power of technological advance to manipulate our brain structure and consequent behaviors is a potentially dangerous situation, but it is also possible that the regular use of new technology can have a positive effect upon cognitive functioning and may also be responsible for changes in the structure of the brain. Tun and Lachman (560) performed an experiment that evaluated the impact of regular computer use (irrespective of task) on cognitive functioning and found that several areas of processing were stronger in regular computer users as compared to those who don’t regularly access the technology. If these cognitive differences are due to the act of engaging computer technology, then it is likely that alterations in brain structure have accompanied these changes. The research that we have discussed so far has referred to the physical and psychological changes that may occur due to the regular use of technology. An evaluation of the impact of technological advances in regular life would not be complete without consideration of the social implications of this influence. The most obvious social issue arising from technology may be the decline in person-to-person “real-world” interactions. Opponents of this view may argue that personal technologies have actually facilitated an increase in interactions by making us available for contact at virtually any moment. However, the use of a moderating device, no matter how realistic it may be, prevents us from participating in, and receiving the benefits of, face-to-face encounters. Research from developmental psychology has consistently displayed the importance of being in close physical proximity to other human beings, and the constant use of technology can lead to personal isolation. Even dissociation may occur through the regular use of a virtual world where one may avoid “reality” (Toronto 117). Additionally, personalities displayed through virtual “avatars” are rarely true representations of the user, and allow for a sense of anonymity that can be associated with technology, even though we are never truly anonymous, as technology has actually made us easier to find. Regardless, this behavior can lead to increased social conflict. Technology has been advancing at an exponential rate, and will continue to dazzle us with brilliant innovations. As we become further immersed in a networked virtual world, we must become aware of the impact that the regular use of advanced technology has upon our biology, psychology, and social interactions. The structure of the brain is plastic throughout life, allowing for continuing physical changes that are believed to correspond with various processes and behaviors. There is evidence to suggest that the regular use of technology can alter the structures underlying the brain’s reward system, and may ultimately lead to an addiction that is severely destructive to real world social functioning. It is also possible that the use of regular technology can contribute to positive changes in brain structure that are associated with improved cognitive processing. We cannot underestimate the influence that technology has upon the human brain and behaviors, but we must remember that it is our choice to use the technology. It is true that avoiding technology completely is almost an impossible task in today’s developed societies. However, the value that we place in these devices and advances is a potential modifier of the negative impact that technology may have on the brain’s reward system. It is possible to regularly use technology without allowing it to have complete control over your life, and we may even reap rewards from the cognitive growth that may occur when we engage in certain tasks that are facilitated by advanced technology. Future research into the effects of technology on biology, psychology, and society should ideally focus on developing interventions that may lead to healthier patterns of technology use. It is possible that people are completely unaware of their attachment to technological devices, and a program aimed that illuminating this threat may lead to positive outcomes. Technology use does not necessarily need to be reduced, but the manner in which we approach this usage should be tailored to control the impact technology has on our brains, behaviors, and social interactions. Works Cited Hoeft, Fumiko, et al. “Gender differences in the mesocorticolimbic system during computer game- play.” Journal of Psychiatry 42 (2008): 253-258. Web. 7 Nov. 2011. Small, Gary W. Moody, Teena D., Siddarth, Prabba, & Susan Y. Brookheimer. “Your brain on Google: Patterns of cerebral activation during Internet searching.” American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry 17.2 (2009): 116-126. Print. Toronto, Ellen. “Time out of mind: Dissociation in the virtual world.” Psychoanalytic Psychology 26.2 (2009): 117-133. Print. Tun, Patricia A., and Margie E. Lachman. “The association between computer use and cognition across adulthood: Use it so you won’t lose it?” Psychology and Aging 25.3 (2010): 560-568. Web. 7 Nov. 2011. Read More