This is Your Brain Online: The Impact of Digital Technology on Mental Health
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This is a recording of a Michigan State University Extension
webinar that originally aired on December 10, 2015.
A growing body of research from a variety of disciplines indicates that the widespread use of digital technology – including computers, the internet, video games, and smart phones – has a measurable, negative impact on the human brain, resulting in significant changes in our sleep, mood, concentration, memory and learning, as well as behaviors such as risk-taking and aggression. This effect appears to be more pronounced for the younger generation of so-called “digital natives”: those who have been using digital technology and social media during their critical stages of brain development. This presentation reviews the current research on this topic and explores the implications for the education and psychological development of young people. The webinar features Scott Becker, director of the Michigan State University Counseling Center. Over the past 18 years Dr. Becker has worked in a number of university counseling centers, including Xavier University, the University of Oregon and the University of Rochester. Dr. Becker’s clinical and research interests include trauma, mourning, dreams, depression, men’s issues, multiculturalism, couples and family therapy, existential and spiritual issues, non-Western approaches to psychotherapy, narrative research, and the role of psychotherapy in development of multicultural, political and ecological awareness. Dr. Becker has developed an integrative model that looks at the impact of technology on neurological and psychosocial development.
This webinar was developed as part of Be SAFE: Safe, Affirming and Fair Environments, a Michigan State University Extension initiative designed to help communities learn about and address issues of bullying, bias and harassment in the lives of young people. Be SAFE taps the wisdom and resiliency of young people and invites youth and adults to work in partnership to create relationships and settings that are physically and emotionally safe. Be SAFE includes a comprehensive curriculum, which is designed for use within out-of-school time settings as well as middle school settings and which includes more than 30 engaging and experiential activities designed for group learning.
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Michigan State University is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the webinar contact at olsenj@anr.msu.edu.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Ray Hammerschmidt, Interim Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
A growing body of research from a variety of disciplines indicates that the widespread use of digital technology – including computers, the internet, video games, and smart phones – has a measurable, negative impact on the human brain, resulting in significant changes in our sleep, mood, concentration, memory and learning, as well as behaviors such as risk-taking and aggression. This effect appears to be more pronounced for the younger generation of so-called “digital natives”: those who have been using digital technology and social media during their critical stages of brain development. This presentation reviews the current research on this topic and explores the implications for the education and psychological development of young people. The webinar features Scott Becker, director of the Michigan State University Counseling Center. Over the past 18 years Dr. Becker has worked in a number of university counseling centers, including Xavier University, the University of Oregon and the University of Rochester. Dr. Becker’s clinical and research interests include trauma, mourning, dreams, depression, men’s issues, multiculturalism, couples and family therapy, existential and spiritual issues, non-Western approaches to psychotherapy, narrative research, and the role of psychotherapy in development of multicultural, political and ecological awareness. Dr. Becker has developed an integrative model that looks at the impact of technology on neurological and psychosocial development.
This webinar was developed as part of Be SAFE: Safe, Affirming and Fair Environments, a Michigan State University Extension initiative designed to help communities learn about and address issues of bullying, bias and harassment in the lives of young people. Be SAFE taps the wisdom and resiliency of young people and invites youth and adults to work in partnership to create relationships and settings that are physically and emotionally safe. Be SAFE includes a comprehensive curriculum, which is designed for use within out-of-school time settings as well as middle school settings and which includes more than 30 engaging and experiential activities designed for group learning.
**************************
Michigan State University is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the webinar contact at olsenj@anr.msu.edu.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Ray Hammerschmidt, Interim Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
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