Bzzt, bzzt, bzzt … look up and enjoy the real world

Ping. Bzzt, bzzt, bzzt. Ploop. Brbbpt. These are onomatopoeia, the made-up words we use to describe sounds. Alerts and notifications emitting from our phones and other electronic devices constantly cry out for our attention. Have you ever wondered, or noticed, what all of that digital distraction is doing to us?

“I read a study that said our phone alerts trigger the release of dopamine. I realized that my brain would get excited that I got a notification and then I’d see that it was a negative news alert. It was really stressing me out, even when it was a notification about something positive or trivial,” a friend of mine confided.

She eventually turned off all notifications on her phone, restricted the frequency of checking email and voicemail, and deleted her social media accounts because they were causing undue anxiety.

Some people find it more difficult to unplug. While digital addiction is not classified as a clinical psychological disorder, it resembles other forms of addiction. It is defined as the compulsive use of digital technology, which would manifest itself as another form of addiction if that technology were not so easily accessible (Wikipedia). The American Psychiatric Association defines general addiction as a brain disease that is manifested by compulsive use despite harmful consequence.

A preoccupation with digital devices can be harmful to our health, both physically and mentally. When communication goes from direct to digital, the body language and other social cues that contribute to the conversation are lost, resulting in miscommunications. That alone can be harmful to our health. But, what happens when our brain has less to do? We may not even be aware of how busy our brain is while it interprets nonverbal language during a verbal interaction. Less cognitive effort means we can do other stuff. In last week’s article, I mentioned a study that said most of us who use digital devices juggle two or three of them at a time. We may also be cooking dinner, doing a load of dishes, and reorganizing the kitchen cabinets while engaged in a virtual interaction. None of those things get our full attention, hence, none are done particularly well. This is a bummer rather than a dopamine shot. What’s more, the satisfaction of completing a task is delayed or ignored because we don’t finish one thing before starting another. This robs us of even more good vibes.

Studies have shown a direct link between the screen and depression. It only makes sense. Replacing face time with virtual interactions, actually makes us lonely. The results of a study collected in 2011 by Relationships Australia showed that people aged 18-34 were the most lonely despite the fact that Pew Research cites that group as more digitally connected than others. Such studies don’t confirm whether people who are socially isolated seek companionship through digital means, or people become socially isolated because of their digital habits. Either way, virtual conversations are just that – not real. Just saying, if your friend is texting you with smiley face emojis, he might actually be crying in his soup.

I found similar results, as well as evidence of sleep disorders, stress, and depression in my research for this article. Some studies claim that excessive screen time causes damage to the parts of the brain that control decision-making, impulse control, and empathy. Some point to microwave radiation from electronics as the cause of increased incidences of brain and heart cancer in recent years.

I don’t mean to be a killjoy. The purpose of this is to remind us to look up from our phones and do a reality check. Next week’s article will conclude this series on living in the digital age by discussing who is most prone to digital addiction and how to overcome it.

- Daily – Visit eBonnerLibrary.org daily to make sure your materials are available during construction.

- Saturday, May 19 — Fifth annual Seed Library Plant Swap, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Sandpoint branch. Bring your plants and starts and adopt some new ones. Talk gardening with some fellow gardeners and learn about the Bonner County Seed Library. Info: 208-263-6930 ext. 1243.

- Saturday, May 19 — Clark Fork Plant Swap,10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Clark Fork branch. Bring a plant, take a plant. Info: 208-266-1321.

- Monday, May 21 — Teen Center Game, 3:30 p.m., at the Sandpoint Teen Center, 104 S. Division. Teen Librarian, Morgan Gariepy hosts a library-sponsored game or STEAM activity for teens. For more information about the current week’s theme, contact Morgan at 208-263-6930, ext. 1245, or morgan@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, May 22 — Mother Goose Storytime, 10:15 a.m., Creations on the Cedar St. Bridge. Stories and singing for babies and toddlers 0-3 yrs and caregivers. For more information, contact Suzanne Davis, 208-263-6930, ext. 1211, or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, May 22 — Preschool Storytime, 11 a.m., Creations on the Cedar St. Bridge. Stories and crafts for kids ages 2-5 years and their caregivers. For more information, contact Suzanne Davis, 208-263-6930 ext. 1211 or suzanne@ebonnerlibrary.org.

- Tuesday, May 22 — Robotics with Lego Mindstorm, 3 p.m., at the Clark Fork branch. Boys and girls ages 8-plus learn to build or code. This is the final program of the season. For more information, call 208-266-1321.

- Tuesday, May 22 — Sandpoint Library Intro to 3D Printing workshop, 4 p.m. Learn what 3D printers are used for and how to design your own 3D printable object. This class is beginner level. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Information: contact 208-263-6930.

- Wednesday, May 23 — Clark Fork Stories & More, 10:30 a.m., Clark Fork branch. Story time, crafts, prizes, and snacks for kids ages 3-8. Call 208-266-1321 for information.

- Wednesday, May 23 — Make It at the Library, 2 p.m., Clark Fork branch. Kids make a variety of age appropriate STEAM (science, tech, engineering, art, math) projects. Info: 208-263-6930 ext. 1245.

- Saturday, May 26 — Organic Seed Saving, 1-3 p.m. Come and discuss organic gardening and seed saving. Bring food and seeds to share if you can. If you can’t, come anyway. Information: Camisse Nitkowski 208-263-6248.

Marcy Timblin is in charge of public relations, marketing and community development for the East Bonner County Library District. She can be reached at 208-208-263-6930, ext. 1204.