David Hilliard, the CEO/President of Wyman occasionally posts reflections on the latest in youth development. Please check back regularly to keep up with our nationally recognized organization, Wyman, as we uncover new research, theories and viewpoints on helping teens thrive and succeed.
Now that we’re all ‘plugged in’ does it enhance our lives, our relationships and our work?
One of my favorite books is ‘Heroic Leadership’ by Chris Lowney. In it he observes: “Technologies of communication ease access to information without making it easier to find meaning. Meaning making comes from formation processes that build capacity for Self-Awareness, Ingenuity, Service and Excellence.”
Lowney’s observation about the importance of intertwining the two – tools that enhance access and cognitive processes to create deeper meaning — came to mind recently when I heard Matt Richtel of the New York Times being interviewed on NPR.
In the interview, Richtel indicates that he has a book coming out in December that will unveil what he describes as some new information about the impact of technology on brain development and brain evolution. (The 1982 book, Megatrends, and 2001 book, High Touch-High Tech, are making John Naisbitt look evermore prescient.)
Meanwhile a quick read of the trailing articles pose some compelling questions we will address here at WYMAN….
o How might ubiquitous, personal access to technology impact the quality of our thinking, relationships and productivity and inform the policies, practices, education and training we use in our work?
o If our reliance on technology is altering the way brains develop and function, how do we integrate some of what is being learned about technology-laden humanity into our work with teens, into our conversations with teens and in our advocacy on their behalf?
o Are we sufficiently self-aware of the impact these ‘work’ tools may have on our non-work lives and our ability to continuously renew and rejuvenate ourselves, peers and families?
o How can we use emerging evidence about our reliance on technology to guide the way we design new interventions and methodologies for youth development to create deeper meaning in their lives?
Oh, the irony that I share these thoughts using technology – one more thing to reflect upon!
Dave
CEO/President of Wyman
Your Brain on Computers
Articles in this series examine how a deluge of data can affect the way people think and behave.
Outdoors and Out of Reach, Studying the Brain
By MATT RICHTEL
Five neuroscientists spent a week on a hiking and rafting trip to understand how heavy use of technology changes how we think and behave.
August 16, 2010 technologyNews
The Risks of Parenting While Plugged In
By JULIE SCELFO
Parents’ use of smartphones and laptops — and its effect on their children — is becoming a source of concern to researchers.
June 10, 2010 gardenNews
Attached to Technology and Paying a Price
By MATT RICHTEL
Scientists say our ability to focus is being undermined by bursts of information from e-mail and other interruptions.
June 7, 2010 technologyNews
An Ugly Toll of Technology: Impatience and Forgetfulness
By TARA PARKER-POPE
“We’re paying a price in terms of our cognitive life because of this virtual lifestyle,” one expert says.
June 7, 2010 technologyNews
More Americans Sense a Downside to an Always Plugged-In Existence
By MARJORIE CONNELLY
Polls show that a number of Americans, particularly younger ones, are feeling negative effects from heavy computer and smartphone use.
June 7, 2010 technologyNews