My new smart phone is one of my coolest productivity tools. While I’m anywhere, I can talk on the phone and check my e-mail. Or read a blog. Or play a game. It takes multitasking to a whole new level.
This has to make me super productive.
Or not.
Neuroscientists are throwing cold water on the theory that digital devices are making us more productive. They say our brains need the downtime while waiting in line or exercising. We may not think we’re being productive but our brains are processing what we learned earlier. It’s part of a New York Times series called “Your Brain on Computers.” Reporter Matt Richtel examines how our greater access to data and interaction is affecting how we think.
The short story is that it’s not affecting our brains in a good way. We need downtime to process. All our computers and mobile devices are getting in the way.
This makes sense. Our brains process a lot of information while we sleep. That’s why actually “sleeping on it” is good advice when faced with tough decisions. Having time to reflect and let the subconscious process the data deluge will help.
Does it really work? Well, I’ve written two blog posts since I turned off my Twitter feed half an hour ago. That said, I did find the link to the New York Times piece in a Twitter update. So, maybe going totally “digitally dark” isn’t the solution.
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