I am the first to say that I love multitasking. If I am cooking, researching for a film, emailing and stretching all at essentially the same time, I am happy. But then the happiness fades when I burn yet another pan (no joke) or can't recall anything from some research I just read or realize my stretching was half-hearted.
Larry Rosen, a psychologist and researcher who is in Screenagers, conducted a study where he surveyed people from three generations ("Baby Boomers" 1946-1964, "Gen X" 1965-1978, "Net" 1978-on). Rosen asked the study participants what types of tech tasks they did simultaneously such as surfing the web while having a conversation. They scored how mentally taxing it was for them to pair different tasks together. You might think that the younger generations would say they found pairing tasks easier than older generations when tech was involved. Surprisingly all generations ranked each pair of tasks as having the same difficulty.
We know the brain can handle certain kinds of tasks at the same time like walking and chewing gum because those actions don’t rely too much on the frontal cortex. However, our brains can't adequately process the performance of two tasks at the same time when those tasks require some thinking.
There was a study done on light versus heavy media multitaskers that looked at these two groups' ability to stay on task. The heavy multitasking media users performed significantly worse at staying on task than did the light multitaskers. This is important to consider as we raise a generation of kids who consume media at the same time they are checking their phones or playing a quick video game while doing homework.
For this week's TTT let’s put some science into action with our families. Rarely do I say watch a video, but after dinner, watch this video.
During dinner here is a fun game to try:
March 28, 2017
As well as our weekly blog, we publish videos like this one every week on the Screenagers YouTube channel
I am the first to say that I love multitasking. If I am cooking, researching for a film, emailing and stretching all at essentially the same time, I am happy. But then the happiness fades when I burn yet another pan (no joke) or can't recall anything from some research I just read or realize my stretching was half-hearted.
Larry Rosen, a psychologist and researcher who is in Screenagers, conducted a study where he surveyed people from three generations ("Baby Boomers" 1946-1964, "Gen X" 1965-1978, "Net" 1978-on). Rosen asked the study participants what types of tech tasks they did simultaneously such as surfing the web while having a conversation. They scored how mentally taxing it was for them to pair different tasks together. You might think that the younger generations would say they found pairing tasks easier than older generations when tech was involved. Surprisingly all generations ranked each pair of tasks as having the same difficulty.
We know the brain can handle certain kinds of tasks at the same time like walking and chewing gum because those actions don’t rely too much on the frontal cortex. However, our brains can't adequately process the performance of two tasks at the same time when those tasks require some thinking.
There was a study done on light versus heavy media multitaskers that looked at these two groups' ability to stay on task. The heavy multitasking media users performed significantly worse at staying on task than did the light multitaskers. This is important to consider as we raise a generation of kids who consume media at the same time they are checking their phones or playing a quick video game while doing homework.
For this week's TTT let’s put some science into action with our families. Rarely do I say watch a video, but after dinner, watch this video.
During dinner here is a fun game to try:
March 28, 2017
As well as our weekly blog, we publish videos like this one every week on the Screenagers YouTube channel
I often talk about using tech (laptops, phones, etc.) as a tool, treat, or talking device. An effective way to model screen-time choices is to say out loud in front of your kids when you are using a device as a tool, treat, or talking device. As we enter summertime, I have been reflecting on the creation of family memories and that when we shake up things, we stack the cards in favor of lasting memories. Using tech in clever ways can help make memories. Today, I share some fun ideas for summer activities.
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Our unique Tech-Free Gift Guide offers a refreshing escape from digital overload, presenting a handpicked selection of imaginative gifts. From culinary adventures and creative arts to educational magazines and physical activities, we emphasize experiences that foster family bonding, creativity, and healthy habits. The guide includes community-building ideas like mural painting and beekeeping, encouraging children and teens to engage in enriching, screen-free activities while creating lasting memories and developing new skills.
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My team and I have been bustling behind the scenes, thinking up new episodes for the Screenagers Podcast and new posts for my weekly Tech Talk Tuesday Blog. Your input at this time would be FANTASTIC! What topics do you want covered? Do your kids have ideas for topics?
READ MORE >for more like this, DR. DELANEY RUSTON'S NEW BOOK, PARENTING IN THE SCREEN AGE, IS THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE FOR TODAY’S PARENTS. WITH INSIGHTS ON SCREEN TIME FROM RESEARCHERS, INPUT FROM KIDS & TEENS, THIS BOOK IS PACKED WITH SOLUTIONS FOR HOW TO START AND SUSTAIN PRODUCTIVE FAMILY TALKS ABOUT TECHNOLOGY AND IT’S IMPACT ON OUR MENTAL WELLBEING.
