The New Brain

The New Brain
The title of a book by Dr Richard Restak in which he argues that the 'modern age' is rewiring our minds.

Two things worth knowing about the brain:1) It hasn't evolved significantly in the last 100,000 years (so we aren't 'designed' to do most of the things we actually find ourselves doing these days)2) It is remarkably malleable in response to our external environment (so we can adapt as individuals if not as a species)

This much said, there are a couple of interesting research conclusions:
- We can't multi-task: "actually our brain can only work on one thing at a time. Rather than allowing us to do two thing s at te same time efficiently, multi-tasking actually results in inefficient shifts in our attention". There are some exceptions (such as listening to music whist woodworking etc.) - but only where there are no overlaps in neurological functionality whatsoever.

- Hallowell & Ratey believe that the impact of overwhelming media is an adult form of Adult Attention-Defecit Disorder (AADD) characterised by some of the following symptoms:- a sense of underachievement, not meeting one's goals- difficulty getting organised- chronic procrastination or difficulty getting started- many simultaneous projects, but trouble with follow-through- a tendency to say whatever comes to mind without due consideration- a frequent search for high stimulation- intolerance of boredom- easy distractability- impatient
(there were more but I got bored of typing).

Restak comments on how the reciprocal relationship: as we breed generations of more attention-deficient individuals, the media follow suit - shorter bursts of time-compressed information, multiple channels of infomation presented on a single screen, highly emotive, simplified imagery etc., etc.