bogarde73
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What impact are technologies such as computer games, the Internet and social media having on the brain? Is Mind Change the new Climate Change? . . . Susan (Baroness Greenfield) is fascinated as to how screen technologies such as computer games, the Internet and social media may be changing the human brain, both for good and bad. Humans occupy more ecological niches than any other species on the planet because of the superlative ability of our brains, to adapt to their environment.
As the 21st Century delivers a vast range of new technologies that are transforming our environment in unprecedented ways, it follows that the human brain, and thus our minds, could also be undergoing unprecedented changes. . . . Today’s screen technologies create environments that could alter how we process information, the degree to which we take risks, how we socialise and empathise with others and even, how we view our own identity. This is the primary focus of Susan Greenfield’s work into the impact of modern screen technologies on the human brain. (susangreenfield.com) . . . In press interviews, at public speaking events,[38] as well as in her writing,[39] Greenfield has expressed concerns that modern technology, and in particular social networking sites and video games,[38] may have a negative impact on child development, leading to conditions including dementia and autism
In 2011, Greenfield was criticised for explicitly linking the increase in internet usage to a rise in autism, with the National Autistic Society describing her statements as "unhelpful speculation". Greenfield responded by saying, "I point to the increase in autism and I point to internet use. That's all."[4
As well as having 30 honorary degrees,[47] Greenfield has received awards including the Royal Society's Michael Faraday Prize. She has been elected to an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians[47] and the Science Museum.[48]
In January 2000, Greenfield received the CBE[49] for her contribution to the public understanding of science.[2] Later that year, she was named Woman of the Year by The Observer. On 18 June 2001, she was created a Life Peer, as Baroness Greenfield, of Ot Moor in the County of Oxfordshire.[2][50]
In 2003, she was appointed a Chevalier of the Légion d'Honneur by the French Government.[47]
In 2006 she was made an Honorary Fellow of the British Science Association[51] and was the Honorary Australian of the Year.
In 2010 she was awarded the Australian Society for Medical Research Medal.[52] She received the British Inspiration award for Science and Technology.[53]
(Wikipedia)
PS I find it very difficult to listen to her being interviewed (eg most recent edition of BBC Hardtalk). She seems to be a compulsive interjector, almost unable to control constant "yeps", "uh huhs" & "buts" to the point where you can hardly hear the other person. I must say that I have been using computers constantly for over 30 years and I'm not like that. As to dementia, well that's for others to judge . . . .um, where am I?
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