Unless you have been trapped in a a cave for the last fifteen years, you’re aware that smartphones and screens consume the majority of our attention on a daily basis. Social media and other addictive time consuming entertainment sources have become part of our daily lives whether we like it or not. The effects these “glowing rectangles” have on our brain is just starting to be understood, but one thing that seems certain is that screens and the constant stimuli they provide are something that our brains are attracted to. From an evolutionary perspective, it makes sense that we would “orient” towards eye catching stimuli that are moving fast with loud noises and filled with social information which humans innately crave. Overall, it seems that our technological innovations have just outpaced the brains ability to evolve. Companies and advertisers have then tapped into that disparity and used it for their gain and not yours. Let me be clear, however, that I’m not recommending throwing out your smartphone and moving into a log cabin in Alaska (although that does sound kinda nice). What I’m advocating for is fully looking at your phone, computer, and T.V. usage and asking yourself “how is this working out for me?”

• FACT: 80% of casual conversation is about social information. Highest dopamine (pay attention chemical) surge for gossip is negative information about someone slightly above you in rank and positive information about someone slightly below you.
• TAKEAWAY: Evolution is a hard thing to shake off and our brains are programmed to constantly be searching for opportunities or threats to where we stand in the hierarchy rank.