Your Stone Age Brain in the Screen Age: Dr. Richard Cytowic on Digital Distraction

In This Episode:Most of us spend hours a day looking at screens. But how often do we consider the effects of all this screen time on our brains? What exactly is happening in our minds—and our bodies—when we’re constantly connected?In this episode of Mom Enough®, Dr. Marti Erickson and Dr. Erin Erickson are joined by Dr. Richard E. Cytowic, a leading neurologist and expert on synesthesia. He shares his latest insights on the science of how our brains are coping with digital overload. Dr. Cytowic’s new book, Your Stone Age Brain in the Screen Age: Coping with Digital Distraction and Sensory Overload, explains why our ancient brains just weren’t built to resist the allure of the digital world, and especially screens. He breaks down the effects of too much screen time, from the cognitive toll it takes to the perhaps less obvious emotional and behavioral consequences.Dr. Cytowic offers practical advice for how we can reclaim our focus, protect our mental health, and restore balance in the screen age. He also challenges us to rethink how we view “doing nothing” and why embracing moments of silence and stillness is more important than ever. WHAT HELPS YOU AVOID DIGITAL DISTRACTIONS?How might excessive screen time affect children's social development? In this episode, Dr. Cytowic explains how tech companies manipulate our attention. What are some specific ways these companies influence our behavior, and how can we become more mindful of this influence in our own digital habits? One of Dr. Cytowic's recommendations is to embrace moments of solitude and "do nothing." How can we, as parents, model and encourage this type of quiet time for our children? WANT TO LEARN MORE?Read Dr. Cytowic's book,Your Stone Age Brain in the Screen Age: Coping with Digital Distraction and Sensory Overload.Check out Dr. Cytowic’s other works on synesthesia and brain science.