Hyperconnectivity: is our brain crumbling?
Emails, text messages, social networks... Thanks to new technologies, and especially the smartphone, we are connected non-stop to the world around us. They expose us to an unceasing stream of information. This has its consequences. Hyperconnectivity causes us stress, makes us less productive and creative, and impairs our memory.1
Hyperconnectivity: is it fragmenting our brain? For many of us today, smartphone technology has become an essential part of daily life. These technologies offer many benefits: we can easily keep track of our work, entertainment is within reach, and social contact is possible at any time. Ultimately, these technologies also contribute in many ways to a better quality of life.1
Being connected at all times has its advantages, but being in the constant grip of your smartphone leads to "brain fragmentation," according to Prof. Theo Compernolle, neuropsychiatrist and psychotherapist.2
On average, we look at our smartphone 80 times a day and we spend about 3 hours on it!
When the phone takes over
According to data collected by Ghent University in Flanders, we look at our smartphone on average 80 times a day (and spend about 3 hours on it)! That means we interrupt our activities 80 times every day2…
Hyperconnectivity forces us to "multitask" constantly, according to Prof. Compernolle. The result? Almost all of our professional and personal activities, even our relaxation, are constantly interrupted, and our brain can no longer focus on one subject or task for a long, uninterrupted period.2
Although no generation is spared, the ubiquity of the smartphone is particularly concerning among young people. Prof. Compernolle further states that 60% of young people are too preoccupied by apps. Almost as many young people would like to stop being burdened by them, but feel they need outside help to do so.2
You can put an end to your hyperconnected brain
Rest assured, the problem does not lie with your ability to focus! Because the smartphone is present anytime and anywhere, your attention is constantly interrupted. The solution seems simple: stop "multitasking." According to Prof. Compernolle, it is best to organize your day into "blocks"2:
1. reflection block: you need to go offline for this;
2. 'information' block: emails, text messages, news, social networks... (the most "risky" block);
3. conversation block (for example with colleagues);
4. 'more difficult' activities block, but these must be done;
5. family block: go offline for your own well-being and that of your children.
Build in "stop" blocks between each main block and take a break!
The recent boom in technology has influenced the way each of us lives. Despite its benefits, this boom also holds risks. That is why it is important to regularly re-evaluate the impact of the smartphone in your family. If you say stop to "multitasking," you lose less time in daily life and, ultimately, this can increase your sense of happiness!1,2
Scientific references
Product mentioned in this article
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