As we increasingly spend our time in virtual spaces, what becomes of the human brain, and how does our digital life affect our physical and mental well-being? Overstimulated yet undernourished, we’re often awash in information but lacking understanding, findings show.
Technology and cognitive processes have an intricate relationship that isn’t easy to navigate, and the people spending the most money to research how it works are the same people who profit from it.
It’s All About Rewards
Researchers have known for some time that being online is highly stimulating and can be addictive. The internet provides a rapid “dose” of dopamine—the neurotransmitter closely tied to the brain’s reward system—with minimal effort. Over time, this leads to cravings for a digital “fix.”
Robert Backer
Ph.D.
Robert Backer, Ph.D., is a psychologist, neuroscientist, academic researcher, and consultant. His work has spanned multiple institutions, including the University of Pennsylvania, University of Delaware, Columbia, Yale, NYU, and the NIH. His background encompasses clinical psychology and health care, as well as social, cognitive, and organizational psychology. He also enjoys classical Eastern and Western art, meditation, and exploring human potential.
