From Smartphones to Social Media: How Technology Affects Our Brains and Behavior: Mark Carrier: Bloomsbury Academic

From Smartphones to Social Media

How Technology Affects Our Brains and Behavior

From Smartphones to Social Media

How Technology Affects Our Brains and Behavior

Description

This book examines how technology such as smartphones, computers, and the internet shape our physical health, cognitive and psychological development, and interactions with one another and the world around us.

Technology has become a ubiquitous part of modern life, but its impact on our physical, psychological, and social health and development runs just as deep as does our dependence upon it. How is the development of babies' brains affected by their playing with their parents' smartphones and tablets? How have computers altered the way we process and learn information? How have texting and social networking sites such as Facebook changed the way in which we interact with others? Can online dating lead to meaningful real-world relationships?

From Smartphones to Social Media investigates these questions and many complex issues related to technology. Readers will discover what researchers know about how the use of technology affects us through accessibly written, thematic chapters. The main text is complemented by a collection of case studies and interviews with a variety of experts, providing insight into how technology's positive and negative effects manifest in our everyday lives and what we can do to mediate the negative ones.

Acknowledgments
Introduction
1 Social Relationships
Case Study: When the Internet First Visited Home
Introduction
Talking Face-to-Face and Friendships
Trends in Empathy
Prosocial Behavior
Effects with Special Populations
Conclusion
Interview with an Expert: Dr. Kaveri Subrahmanyam
2 Physical Aggression
Case Study: The Debate over Violent Video Gaming and Mass Shootings
Introduction
Effects of Violent Media on Our Physiology
Effects on Aggressive Thoughts and Emotions
Aggressive Behavior
Controversy over Violent Media Effects
Conclusion
Interview with an Expert: Dr. Jeanne Brockmyer
3 Electronic Aggression
Case Study: What Is Koobface?
Introduction
Cyberbullying
Online Privacy and Risky Online Behaviors
The Perils of Youth
Other Aggressive Behaviors
Mass Attacks
Individualized Attacks
Conclusion
Interview with an Expert: Dr. Robin Kowalski
4 Dating and Sexual Behavior
Case Study: When You Accidentally Hook a "Catfish"
Introduction
Romance
Sexting
Sexual Knowledge and Intercourse
Pornography
Conclusion
Interview with an Expert: Dr. Michelle Drouin
5 Information and Attention
Case Study: Texting in the Classroom
Introduction
The Information Age
Affordances
Human Information Processing and Attention
Devices That Afford Multitasking
Cognitive Load and Allocation of Attention
Other Technology Effects on Attention
The Reward System
Visual Attention and Processing
Conclusion
Interview with an Expert: Dr. Larry D. Rosen
6 Higher-Order Processes
Case Study: When Self-Regulation Fails: Cell Phones and Driving
Introduction
The Higher-Order Process of Critical Thinking
Decision-Making
Reasoning
Computer Literacy
The Flow State
Restoration and Rejuvenation of Cognitive Functions
Conclusion
Interview with an Expert: Dr. Nancy A. Cheever
7 Reading and Writing
Case Study: Text Messaging with Ferocious Velocity
Introduction
Print versus Digital Reading
The Mental Challenge of Reading
Effects on Reading Skills
Displacement Effects
Writing
Changes in Language
New Kinds of Written Products
Issues around Literacy Development
Additional Issues Related to Writing
Conclusion
Interview with an Expert: Dr. Beverly A. Plester
8 School Learning
Case Study: Khan Academy-Putting Math Information Online
Introduction
Impact on Modalities of Instruction
Taking into Account How Learning Works
Technology Distractions in the Classroom
Studying and Learning outside of Class
Smartphones and SNSs: Two Culprits
Motivation and Affect
Improving Math and Science Knowledge and Skills
Improving Critical Thinking Skills
Conclusion
Interview with an Expert: Dr. Laura L. Bowman
9 Emotions
Case Study: Elation and Dejection during the Big Election
Introduction
Basic Emotions and the Brain
Expressing, Processing, and Spreading Emotions Online 209
Sadness, Depression, and Self-Harm
Jealousy and Envy
The Importance of Emotion Regulation
Conclusion
Interview with an Expert: Dr. Megan A. Moreno
10 Health
Case Study: Where Will the Pokémon Lead You?
Introduction
Sedentary Behavior and Sleep
Taking Charge of Personal Health
Mental Health
Conclusion
Interview with an Expert: Dr. Kimberly Young
Glossary
Directory of Resources
Index