The influence of online technology on our behaviour is a hot topic, often presented in media as a looming danger. Despite research revealing that our brains can adapt over time, the extent to which technology is reshaping our behaviours remains unclear. Ginny Follen, an alumna from the Executive MSc Behavioural Science programme, delves into her dissertation to tackle this question and find ways for tech companies to create beneficial impacts.
Over the past three decades, technological advancement has drastically reinvented society. However, the specific effects on individual behaviour are complex and not easily defined. Anecdotal evidence suggests that our relationship with personal devices has evolved; for instance, a friend checking his phone in a theatre in 2008 contrasts sharply with our current norm of checking devices up to 100 times daily, averaging nearly 30 hours a week on smartphones.
The Net Generation – those born since the mid-90s – represents a group deeply influenced by the internet, which shapes their formative experiences. Neuroscientific studies reveal that their brains develop differently due to the contexts in which they engage with technology, suggesting profound implications for their future behaviours. What ramifications could these shifts have for society as a whole?
Media narratives often highlight the adverse effects of technology, particularly in relation to social media and its role in bullying and youth mental health. However, a deeper examination of academic literature presents a more nuanced picture, where the relationship between online interactions and behaviours like narcissism and social isolation is complex and multifaceted. For example, the phenomenon of ‘phubbing’ illustrates how device use can interrupt real-life connections.
Conversely, technology can also foster positive behaviours. Applications that utilise behavioural informatics empower users to enhance their health, while social media can promote empathy and support for socially awkward individuals. This duality indicates that the outcomes of technology may depend not just on its use but on the types of interactions it engenders, as studies show conflicting findings regarding empathy levels in online gamers.
Challenges persist in scientific research surrounding technology’s influence, particularly due to inconsistent definitions and methodological flaws. Researchers struggle to discern whether technology leads to behaviours like narcissism or merely attracts individuals with those traits. The breadth of behaviours impacted by online activity, from kindness to empathy, complicates the exploration and necessitates extensive research over prolonged periods.
In light of tragic events, such as the suicide of a vulnerable teenager linked to social media algorithms, the need for accountability among tech companies has never been clearer. Developers and product teams must recognise the significant effects of their designs, seeking collaboration with academic experts to ensure a comprehensive understanding of potential behavioural consequences. As our brains adapt to technological advances, building ethical, beneficial technology is imperative, emphasising the importance of collaboration in this rapidly evolving field.
The article explores the mixed impact of online technology on behaviour, highlighting both its negative aspects, such as social isolation and narcissism, and positive effects like improved health behaviour. The research underscores the urgent need for tech companies to understand their influence on users, particularly regarding younger generations. Collaboration with academia can help illuminate these influences, ensuring technology is developed responsibly for societal benefit.
In summary, the impact of technology on behaviours is a complex interplay of positive and negative outcomes, shaped largely by the relentless pace of technological advancement. The unique experiences of the Net Generation exemplify these changes, raising concerns about mental health, social interactions, and empathy. To navigate these uncertainties, it is crucial for technology creators and researchers to collaborate, aiming to understand the implications of their work and promote the development of technology that benefits society as a whole.
Original Source: blogs.lse.ac.uk
