Paper About Texting

Christopher Padro
Professor Valerie Sims
PSY 4604
10/06/17
Essay 1
In our world today, there are many issues that hinder the development of new theories. Technology is one way that can hinder that process. Technology has shown some benefits concerning our everyday lives. However, it also has some drawbacks in that it can affect our minds, especially through texting. For me, texting seems like a normal part of life. But I do find that it can distract me from what is more important.
Texting has already influenced our nation greatly. Although it seems to have made things easier, it also has affected our brains as well. “Sending text messages on a smartphone can change the rhythm of your brain waves, according to a study published in Epilepsy &

Behaviour, a finding that could have significant implications for brain-computer interfacing, gaming, and driving. “There is now a biological reason why people shouldn’t text and drive – texting can change brain waves,” says lead researcher and neurologist William Tatum of Mayo Clinic.”
This change in brain waves could be the cause of many accidents on the road, when it comes to texting and driving. ““If we daydream behind the wheel we’re more likely to catch – sudden brake lights – than if we’re looking down at a screen. “If you go longer than two seconds looking away from the road, that doubles your risk of a crash,” says Alison Smiley, president of Human Factors North Inc., a Toronto engineering company.” It can be challenging to drive and wanting to answer a text. It’s as if I feel inclined to.
Texting involves more than just being a hand-held distraction. “One hypothesis is that too much cognitive load for our brain networks. “Every time you switch your focus from one thing to another, there’s something called a switch-cost,” Dr. Earl Miller, a professor of neuroscience at MIT told time magazine. “Your brain stumbles a bit, and it requires time to get back to where it was before it was distracted.”” This is something I find true even in my own life.
“Only text messaging produced the brain rhythm, which was different than any previously described brain rhythm.” This brain rhythm is enough evidence to prove why new theories can be halted in development and from being recognized. The future implication is that the distraction of responding to texts, coupled with the switch-cost can makes psychologists forget what their theories were about.

Bibliography
How messaging affects your brain – which is why you should never text and drive. (2016, July 01). Retrieved October 06, 2017, from http://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-beauty/article/1982937/how-messaging-affects-your-brain-which-why-you-should-never
Kirkey, S. (2016, December 06). Your brain on texting: The science of why we need to check our smartphones at every ‘ping’. Retrieved October 06, 2017, from http://nationalpost.com/features/fatal-distraction-your-brain-on-texting