The world today is the noisiest it has ever been in history. And with noise, many sounds are cancelled, resulting in us missing some of the most important things in life. This little known scenario, has far reaching implications however, and is aptly known as “overstimulation.” The brain is the most efficient processor the world has ever known, capable of processing stimuli from a variety of sources, and often, too much.
Today’s stimuli extend far beyond what is natural however, with the advent of the internet, numerous handheld smart devices, and spread of technology like wildfire. Never before has mankind had so much at his disposal, but possibly to his peril. Not sure how serious overstimulation is? Let’s explore some ways our high tech world may be overstimulating our brains:
Negative Actions On Our Circadian Rhythm
The human body is a MARVELOUS instrument, one which is self-sustaining for the most part, and instinctively knowing when to rest. Classically, the human body possesses a sleep-wake cycle, known as our circadian rhythm. This simply refers to the rise and fall of specific hormones, based on the levels of natural light we are exposed to.
Under ideal circumstances, this would make us wake up at around 5:30 AM, and go to bed between 6-9pm. However, this can easily be manipulated, thanks to the influence of artificial light. Following the advent of artificial light sources (lamps, light bulbs etc.), humans became able to modify the circadian rhythms to sleep at a later hour, and conversely awaken later too. This is acceptable, except the fact that this alteration normally results in a sleep deficiency developing.
As mankind progresses, it is only getting worse; cellphones being easily used long after you’ve hit the sack, and should be warming up to sleep.
Memory May Suffer
The likelihood of becoming a scholar is higher than ever now, thanks to the widespread availability to educational material, but at a cost. Though you may be able to maintain a high level of performance for a time, eventually your memory will start to fail owing to a lack of sleep, and chronically elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
Everything requires a sacrifice, and attaining that degree may eventually cause you to lose an important part of what makes you, you. Tread lightly and sleep heavily.
Relationships Lose Meaning
What do relationships have to do with the brain? A lot, actually. Being in love, or caring deeply about someone causes profound changes to your brain’s neurochemistry, boosting motivation, drive and analysis.
However, technology may be causing us to lose some of the natural compensatory mechanism our brains have deigned to protect what we hold dear. Without lots of one-on-one time, your brain does not form as strong a level of connection with your significant other as it could.
Opting for text messages, instead of building communication is a poor tool, as it could never replace interpersonal relationship building. When you are eventually faced with having deep conversations, the awkward silence resulting may be the most visible indicator that something is truly messed up.
Brain Processing May Suffer
Your brain is a beast at processing stimuli. However, even the most powerful processor can be bogged down when exposed to too much stimulation. With noise coming from all directions and blaring lights, the brain inadvertently picks them up and has to process them. If you’ve tried working in a busy and noisy office, you may find it hard to work at peak efficiency, owing to overstimulation.
Then when you go home, you may spend time on the internet or TV watching videos, followed by your phone in bed, when you should have begun winding down for sleep. The risk of chronic overstimulation is extremely high, and has profound negative effects for a prolonged period of time unless corrective steps are diligently followed.
Technology is a blessing, there is no argument there. However, its usage needs to be regulated, as the tools you use could end up making you the tool. Technology should be used to free up time for you to do the things that matter most to you, not detract from the world and overload your brain.
