It is human nature to strive to find things that make life easier. Since the invention of the wheel, we have been on the path of discovery. Most now have microwaves, ovens, toasters, refrigerators, cell phones, computers, cars, and much more that make our lives much easier. While you sit here reading this blog, take a look around you, I bet you can find 10 different technological inventions. I mean, don’t lie like your iPhone isn’t on your lap as you read this.
But are all of these “amazing” innovations hurting us? Some psychologists seem to think so. According to Kelly Lambert’s article “Depressingly Easy” written in 2008, today’s technology is depriving our brains of the dopamine that we naturally produce as a reward for our hard work. Our brains are hard-wired to give us a boost of dopamine every time we accomplish something, making us want to go back and do the same thing later. This reward circuit has helped humans survive for hundreds of years by releasing dopamine when we saw positive results in their crops, hunting trips, and relationships. However, now that we no longer have to work as hard for things (for example we can now go out and buy groceries and ready-made clothing) there is speculation that the boom in technology is correlated with the boom in depression.
While all of this sounds extremely negative, it cannot be denied that technology has helped our species. Computers and the internet have allowed us to reach people halfway across the world at a push of a button, not to mention the amazing leaps and bounds that we have taken medically. Scientists can now communicate in an instant rather than months, and the common cold is no longer a cause of death.
So now it is up to you to decide. Will the iPhone be the new leading cause of suicides in America?
Case and Point: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbcctWbC8Q0
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