Why the modern world is bad for your brain by Daniel J Levitin Essay - 220

Why the modern world is bad for your brain by Daniel J Levitin - Essay Example Levitin draws on the research and works of several Neuroscientists and Psychologists to break the myths of multitasking and explain the physical and mental effects of the modern obsession and addiction to technology. I think the arguments advanced by Levitin sound convincing in view of my personal experience, news reports and similar findings from research around the globe. Levitin argues comprehensively against multitasking to shatter the ‘illusion’ surrounding multitasking and to point out the eventuating mental and physical losses to the multitaskers. One interesting observation made by Levitin is that the chronic tendency to multitask deludes people into believing that they are accomplishing a lot in a short time but in reality divides their attention between too many things to make them less efficient, more stressed and lose their cognitive abilities. Using research evidence, Levitin explains that switching between tasks stimulates the production of stress-related h ormones resulting in clouded thinking, anxiety, depleted concentration. The ultimate outcome is a temporary pleasure but permanent loss of efficiency and cognitive skills, according to Levitin. I find this argument compelling because of my urge to multitask. When I am doing a reading for an assignment, for example, simultaneously I check and respond to emails, instant messenger, answering my phone, and sometimes listening to my favorite music too. If I find myself at times at a student computer lab where I may not have access to my personal email or music, or not allowed to use mobile phone, I frequently get distracted by the thought that I am doing too little when there is a lot to do. As a result, I become anxious for no reason, as just the very thought of missing out on doing several things at once makes me feel stressed.