How Digitalization of Society Affects the Human Brain

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Introduction

Technological development has transformed society by making information the basis for various areas of human activity, increasing the importance of its creation and dissemination. The availability of different information due to digitalization significantly impacts individuals – not only their actions but also their personal life, socialization, health, and other aspects. Digitalization leads to the decline of specific skills like impairments and delayed gratification, which are more related to the human brain. On the positive side, it results in the improvement of other abilities, such as strategy development. Societies have benefited positively from technological enhancements; however, it has its effects on the population in constant use. The research paper aims to identify technology’s positive and negative impact on human well-being. It seeks to answer questions like how it impacts the human brain and what are its benefits and drawbacks. Since digitalization has increased the flow of information that a person receives daily, it is crucial to consider the impact on human brain functioning. The use of technology has increased rapidly, causing major impacts on the brain due to the constant interaction with machines.

Digitalization of Society

The amount of information surrounding people increases exponentially, and its impact is contradictory. On the one hand, information exchange and digital communication provide solutions to many problems. They make communication at long distances easier or promote scientific discoveries through global findings exchange. In the contemporary world, digitalization has been so beneficial. It fosters innovation and creativity as part and parcel of our day-to-day living (Bejinaru, 2019). Positive consequences can be seen around; data can now be processed and sent in milliseconds. Humans are currently working hand in hand with machines making the work much faster and more efficient (Bikalenko et al., 2021). Modernization of society has emerged as one of the most critical issues in the modern world. Digital artifacts and online practices have penetrated a significant portion of social, organizational, and economic activities (Bejinaru, 2019). As a result, the barriers limiting individual development in innovation and problem-solving to address societal challenges are eradicated. Automation has spread widely and, to date, significantly impacted human activity.

Technology Spread

The negative impact of digitalization and the scale of changes in daily life they have brought attract more public attention. In particular, about 59% of the world’s population uses the internet and, on average, spends more than six and a half hours online (Hoehe & Thibaut, 2020). This time spent with computers scares society and makes them pay attention to the harm caused. Globalization plays a vital role in the spread of machinery and knowledge across borders. Automation has made the world more integrated, making the transfer of information faster and through various channels. Emerging markets have adopted the use of current innovations to boost their productivity. Machinery enhancements improve incomes and living standards worldwide (Vedechkina & Borgonovi, 2021). Global growth heavily relies on how robotics spreads across nations.

Developed states spread their innovations to non-developed ones, thus promoting technological diffusion. With globalization as the key factor facilitating the spread, all individuals can benefit from recent developments. It results in the experience of both the negative and positive consequences of adopting modern changes. Mechanization has altered how we conduct our daily activities and revolutionized our ways of life (Limone & Toto, 2021). Currently, over two million smartphones are sold globally in a single day. Active web users are rising worldwide; they stand at 3.2 billion and are estimated to continue increasing (Sweller, 2020). Multifunctional devices like smartphones have been innovated; they can be used to perform several tasks. The gadgets have proved their significance in helping man undertake his day-to-day deeds. With smartphones, one can access any information without limitations using search engines like Google or Bing.

Digitalization’s Impact on Human Activity

Human beings have been impacted by digitalization both negatively and positively. Our lives have been reshaped mainly during the Covid-19 pandemic when online transactions were highly recommended. Human activity has been affected in several ways, the unemployment number has been reduced, quality of life improved, and access to public services has been made much more manageable (Small et al., 2020). In the business industry, digital technologies have increased efficiency by making work easier. The manufacturing process has been improved through automation, thus making it much faster and cost-effective. As a result of the rapid innovations experienced, humans have witnessed changes in their cognitive, axiological, communicative, and mental realms (Limone & Toto, 2021). The rise of associated problems occurs just as globalization increases. The main effect caused by globalization on all human activities is the decrease in the cost of manufacturing. As a result, products are offered at a much lower price.

Technology has made positive contributions worldwide but has also negatively impacted human activity. There is a variety of evidence suggesting the effects of globalization and its overreliance and use. Mobile phones and social media have resulted in the experience of physical and psychological problems like difficulty in focusing and eyestrains (Limone & Toto, 2021). It tends to develop lazy individuals who rely heavily on it and cannot engage in the use of problem-solving skills. Internet addiction has its consequences, mainly affecting teenagers and growing children (Refer to Figure 1). Physical issues likely to be adopted include eyestrain, poor posture, sleep issues, and reduced physical activity (Ruiz-Ruano García & Puga, 2020). The common psychological effects likely to be developed include isolation, depression, and anxiety (Small et al., 2020). An individual with such problems is expected to be unproductive and would build brain issues.

Impact on the Human Brain

The possibility of both favorable and harmful effects on the brain of various activities in the information society can be significant for the younger generation. Their cognitive abilities are formed under the influence of external factors, and the features of the information and technologies used can improve or interfere with this process (Firth et al., 2019). Many researchers, such as Lime and Toto (2021) or Vedechkina and Borgonovi (2021), draw attention that the impact can be beneficial and harmful. For example, such negative consequences as reduced focus, risk of dependence on technology, impaired social and emotional intelligence, slower cognitive and brain development, social isolation, and sleep disorders can be highlighted (Small et al., 2020). However, the effect can be positive with careful technology and information selection. For example, neural activation of circuits responsible for decision-making, improved memory, cognition, multitasking skills, and response speed are possible (Small et al., 2020). These facts indicate the importance of responsible use of technology and consumption of information.

Digitalization’s Effect on Brain Functioning

The overuse of electrical gadgets like computers, tablets, and smartphones adversely affects brain functions such as cognition, language, and visual perception. It results in the creation of structural changes in the brain primarily focus. Over 4.7 billion people use the internet, with the majority spending much of their time online (Firth et al., 2019). They, in turn, overload their brains by providing various information to be processed. According to Sweller (2020), increasing the amount of data creates an overload for the human brain since its cognitive abilities are limited at specific levels of information processing (Ruiz-Ruano García & Puga, 2020). Moreover, the risk of obtaining false and contradictory information is constantly increasing, destabilizing perception (Ruiz-Ruano García & Puga, 2020). Such influence modifies the features of brain functioning, and it is necessary to study change’s potential benefits and disadvantages.

The brain’s cognitive performance gets affected due to the frequent destructions presented by the internet. As a result, individuals cannot realize their abilities and optimize their emotional, behavioral, and psychological functioning to cope with life situations. For example, there were concerns about mental disorders, in particular, an increase in the number of cases of depression, anxiety, and suicide (Hoehe & Thibaut, 2020). However, Hoehe and Thibaut (2020) note that technologies should not be characterized as bad or good since the effect depends on who uses them and how. As a result, the study of digitalization’s impact on the brain should also consider this human factor. Human brains crave additional information; it is upon an individual’s ability to know how to balance to prevent technology’s overreliance. Proper planning will incorporate bot with no experience of any negative consequences.

Beneficial and Adverse Effects on the Human Brain

Technology has resulted in several benefits to human brain health. Neural exercise is attained; exposure to the internet for research is a mentally stimulating process that exercises the brain (Bikalenko et al., 2021). Using the internet for short-term study results in internet training and better brain functioning. There is cognitive training as interaction with various sources of knowledge gets enhanced. Multitasking skills are also developed, improving other competencies such as divided and sustained attention and working memory (Bejinaru, 2019). Individuals engaging in video games tend to establish adequate reaction time. Visual attention reaction time gets influenced, thus improving cognitive and motor skills (Hoehe & Thibaut, 2020). The accomplishments improve surgical abilities as they lower any lower error roles in the operating room. Video games are a potential source of these benefits; they improve multitasking skills, fluid intelligence, and improvement on working memory (Hoehe & Thibaut, 2020). Overreliance on something is not always good; despite having a positive impact, technology also negatively influences the brain.

Digitalization affects and changes various aspects of brain functioning. In their research, Firth et al. (2019) highlight changes in attention, memory, and social cognition. In particular, streams of information from several sources contribute to the dispersion of attention. The constant availability of a large amount of data also affects how people memorize and extract knowledge (Firth et al., 2019). Sleep is also highly influenced; screen exposure disrupts sleep, thus harming cognition and personal behavior. Individuals that make use of the internet frequently tend to get addicted. Technology has changed the habits and norms of social interaction, affecting self-perception (Firth et al., 2019). At the same time, Firth et al. (2019) note that many aspects of the digitalization effect on the human brain have not yet been studied. However, the impact will only increase, given the development speed and the spread of technology.

Responsible Attitude Toward Digitalization

Globalization has resulted in positive developments in the world around us. It has its positive and negative impacts, which the beneficiaries can control. A responsible attitude toward digitalization will facilitate eradicating the emerging adverse effects of total negligence and ignorance (Leidner & Tona, 2021). When using an electronic gadget, taking breaks and engaging in other activities is essential to avoid being addicted. Developing critical thinking skills such as communication, problem-solving, observation, and inference is crucial. These qualities help improve decision-making capabilities and build confidence and ethics. Responsible attitudes can only be addressed if the methods of limiting the negative impact of digitalization are identified (Leidner & Tona, 2021). Individuals need to take advantage of digitalization to develop cognitive abilities. The innovations need to be adopted from positive benefits and the negative ones prevented or eradicated.

Methods of Limiting the Negative Impact of Digitalization

Technology addiction is a common problem the current population faces. There are potential strategies that can be implemented to limit the adverse effects of technology. The first step is to identify what type of technologies take much of your time (Leidner & Tona, 2021). Step two involves preventing getting addicted to innovations and other electronic gadgets. It is advisable not to let technology take control of one’s life. Professional help can be sought if the journey away from addiction becomes too mountainous. Digital dieting should be adopted; through this, a person refrains from the use of any technology that they are addicted to or cannot stay without (Limone & Toto, 2021). Developing critical thinking skills will also promote better judgment, enabling sound decisions to prevent addiction. Self-discipline is a vital factor that can facilitate proper technological use.

Taking Advantage of Digitalization to Develop Cognitive Abilities

The use of technology has proven to be beneficial; it has improved the quality of life and resulted in the development of digital skills. Positive impacts of digital technology on cognitive skills include the provision of adequate knowledge (Vedechkina & Borgonovi, 2021). It helps to learn the alphabet and order of numbers, identify correct numbers and recognize images. When students learn using digital platforms, they are most likely to concentrate on the vital details rather than interpreting knowledge more abstractly. The Internet is a powerful cognitive enhancement technology; it offers instant access to information and the ability to share knowledge much easier (Sweller, 2020). When children are exposed to Apart from facing possible side effects, the brain has higher abilities to make positive use of innovations.

Conclusion

The use of technology has resulted in several impacts that affect users’ physical and psychological health. Depending on the frequency of use, it can result in different outcomes. The advantages outweigh the drawbacks; negative experiences are mainly attained due to ignorance. Societies have developed immensely socially and economically due to globalization. Technology has spread across all corners of the earth, and its impact can be seen from the resulting human activities. The use of machinery has both negative and positive consequences for brain health. Adopting responsible attitudes toward automation will help in limiting the potential effects likely to be attained. The study is critical as it outlines the possible impact of innovations and how they can affect physical and mental health. It also guides how the potential drawbacks can be prevented. Future research needs to build upon the findings of this research and address the limitations presented in the study.

References

Bejinaru, R. (2019). Impact of digitalization on education in the knowledge economy. Management Dynamics in the Knowledge Economy, 7(3), 367–380. Web.

Bikalenko, M., Vekua, S., Telegina, M., & Khabdaev, G. (2021). New challenges of modern digital society.SHS Web of Conferences, 101(1), 1–8.

Chaykovskaya, N. (2020). Internet addiction and digital detoxification: Symptoms and consequences of excessive smartphone use stock illustration. Dreamstime.

Firth, J., Torous, J., Stubbs, B., Firth, J. A., Steiner, G. Z., Smith, L., Gleeson, J., Vancampfort D., Armitage C. J., & Sarris, J. (2019). The “online brain”: How the internet may be changing our cognition.World Psychiatry, 18(2), 119–129.

Hoehe, M. R., & Thibaut, F. (2020). Going digital: How technology use may influence human brains and behavior.Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 22(2), 93–97.

Leidner, D. E., & Tona, O. (2021). The care theory of dignity amid personal data digitalization. MIS Quarterly, 45(1), 343–370.

Limone, P., & Toto, G. A. (2021). Psychological and emotional effects of digital technology on children in the COVID-19 pandemic. Brain Sciences, 11(9), 1–10.

Ruiz-Ruano García, A. M., & Puga, J. L. (2020). Some challenges for the human brain in communication with the digital society. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 1–4.

Small, G. W., Lee, J., Kaufman, A., Jalil, J., Siddarth, P., Gaddipati, H., Moody, T. D., & Bookheimer, S. Y. (2020). Brain health consequences of digital technology use. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 22(2), 179–187.

Sweller, J. (2020). Cognitive load theory and educational technology.Educational Technology Research and Development, 68(1), 1–16.

Vedechkina, M., & Borgonovi, F. (2021). A review of evidence on the role of digital technology in shaping attention and cognitive control in children. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 1–22.

Figure 1. Effects of Internet Addiction. Note. Adapted from Internet addiction and digital detoxification: Symptoms and consequences of excessive smartphone use stock illustration, by N. Chaykovskaya, 2020

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