Richard E. Cytowic, M.D., is a neurologist and author renowned for revitalizing the scientific study of synesthesia. His influential works, such as "Synesthesia: A Union of the Senses" and "The Man Who Tasted Shapes," have significantly contributed to our understanding of this perceptual phenomenon.
His latest book, "Your Stone Age Brain in the Screen Age: Coping with Digital Distraction and Sensory Overload", explains how our relatively unchanged Stone Age brains struggle to adapt to the rapid advancements of the digital era. From this conversation, you can expect insights into the effects of excessive screen exposure and phone use on the brain and the mind, as well as methods for intentful phone use.
The book: Your Stone Age Brain in the Screen Age: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Stone-Age-Brain-Screen/dp/0262049007
Richard's website: https://cytowic.net/
00:00 - Introduction by Richard Cytowic on Screens and the Brain.
01:06 - The reel scroll social media feature is likened to a slot machine, exploiting our reward system.
04:32 - Unlike eating, screens offer no natural cue to cease engagement
08:34 - Screens Distractions in Everyday Situations and Public Spaces.
14:50 - Negative Impact of Screens On Young People, Including Social Isolation.
18:50 - Parental Screen Use to Pacify Children May Cause Developmental Issues?
27:50 - Passive Screen Use VS Active Engagement in Learning Material for Developing Skills and Knowledge?
35:50 - Brain Regions Involved in Phone Use.
43:86 - Attention Problems and Reduced Socializing as a Result Of Excessive Screen Time.
52:30 - Awareness of the Problem is the First Step to Managing Screen Dependence.
01:04 - Excessive Screen Use Decreases Empathy?
01:12 - Invasive Advertising on Public Screens Forces Visual Attentional Shifts?
01:19 - Our Brains Are Evolved in a Stone Age Environment and Struggle with Today's Stimuli.
01:32 - The Value of Silence in a World of Constant Stimulation.
01:39 - Taking Walks Without a Phone to Enhance Creativity.
