BRINGING OUT THE BEST INBRINGING OUT THE BEST IN
THE 21THE 21stst
CENTURY BRAINCENTURY BRAIN
From Dawn ‘til DuskFrom Dawn ‘til Dusk

(1) DEVELOPING A MIND…(1) DEVELOPING A MIND…
Newborn 3 months 15 months 2 years

‘‘Thinking is… Movement Confined to the BrainThinking is… Movement Confined to the Brain’’

An ‘Enriched’ Environment…An ‘Enriched’ Environment…

Effects of an ‘Enriched’ EnvironmentEffects of an ‘Enriched’ Environment
Standard ‘Enriched’

Connections Give Ever Deeper MEANING OverConnections Give Ever Deeper MEANING Over
Time…Time…

Developing And LosingDeveloping And Losing
One’s Mind…One’s Mind…
……Reflected In Brain CellReflected In Brain Cell
Branching (Connections)Branching (Connections)

The biological basis of the mind is the
personalisation of the brain through unique
dynamic configurations of neuronal connections,
driven by unique experiences

(2) THE 21ST CENTURY ENVIRONMENT IS(2) THE 21ST CENTURY ENVIRONMENT IS
UNPRECEDENTED…UNPRECEDENTED…

Daily Media Usage (standard deviation) for Children,Daily Media Usage (standard deviation) for Children,
Preteens and Teens Shown in Hours:MinutesPreteens and Teens Shown in Hours:Minutes
Total hours of media/technology truncated to 3 standard deviations above mean and all total hours above that number wereTotal hours of media/technology truncated to 3 standard deviations above mean and all total hours above that number were
changed to exactly 3 standard deviations above the mean.changed to exactly 3 standard deviations above the mean.
Rosen et al., (2014) Media and technology use predicts ill-being among children, preteens and teenagers independent of the negative
health impacts of exercise and eating habits, Computers in Human Behaviour, 35, 364-375,

‘‘Last weekend I had an eye opening moment where theLast weekend I had an eye opening moment where the
children had been lazing around the house, using andchildren had been lazing around the house, using and
fighting over technology. When finally I was able to coercefighting over technology. When finally I was able to coerce
them out for a short walk, we took bikes and I watched withthem out for a short walk, we took bikes and I watched with
delight the laughter and fun the kids had purely riding updelight the laughter and fun the kids had purely riding up
and down this one particular steepish dog leg’s bend on thisand down this one particular steepish dog leg’s bend on this
quiet country road... The enjoyment, laughter and gigglesquiet country road... The enjoyment, laughter and giggles
from one’s children is truly music to the ears of a parent. Ifrom one’s children is truly music to the ears of a parent. I
do not ever hear that laughter when they are usingdo not ever hear that laughter when they are using
technology’.technology’.

(3) THE BRAIN WILL BE CHANGING(3) THE BRAIN WILL BE CHANGING
CORRESPONDINGLY IN NEW WAYSCORRESPONDINGLY IN NEW WAYS
Yuan K, Qin W, Wang G, Zeng F, et al. (2011) Microstructure Abnormalities in Adolescents with Internet Addiction Disorder.

The Environment of the Screen:The Environment of the Screen: GamingGaming

Kelly CR, Grinband J, Hirsch J (2007) PLoS ONE 2(12): e1268. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0001268
Repeated Exposure to Media Violence Is Associated with
Diminished Response in an Inhibitory Frontolimbic
Network.

136 Papers136 Papers
Desensitisation
Increased arousal
Aggressive cognition
Aggressive behaviour
381 Independent Tests
130,296 Participants130,296 Participants
Research Article
Violent video game effects on aggression, empathy, and prosocial behavior in
Eastern and Western countries: A meta-analytic review.
Anderson, Craig A.; Shibuya, Akiko; Ihori, Nobuko; Swing, Edward L.; Bushman, Brad J.; Sakamoto, Akira; Rothstein, Hannah
R.; Saleem, Muniba
How to cite: Anderson, Craig A.; Shibuya, Akiko; Ihori, Nobuko; Swing, Edward L.; Bushman, Brad J.; Sakamoto, Akira; Rothstein, Hannah R.; Saleem, Muniba,.
Psychological Bulletin, Vol 136(2), Mar 2010, 151-173
Research Article
Violent video game effects on aggression, empathy, and prosocial behavior in
Eastern and Western countries: A meta-analytic review.
Anderson, Craig A.; Shibuya, Akiko; Ihori, Nobuko; Swing, Edward L.; Bushman, Brad J.; Sakamoto, Akira; Rothstein, Hannah
R.; Saleem, Muniba
How to cite: Anderson, Craig A.; Shibuya, Akiko; Ihori, Nobuko; Swing, Edward L.; Bushman, Brad J.; Sakamoto, Akira; Rothstein, Hannah R.; Saleem, Muniba,.
Psychological Bulletin, Vol 136(2), Mar 2010, 151-173

Research Article
Video game playing, attention problems, and impulsiveness:
Evidence of bi-directional causality
Douglas A. Gentile, Edward L. Swing, Choon Guan Lim, and Angeline Khoo
How to cite: Gentile, D. A., Swing, E. L., Lim, C. G., & Khoo, A. (2012). Video game playing, attention problems, and impulsiveness: Evidence of
bi-directional causality. Psychology of Popular Media Culture, 1, 62-70.
Research Article
Video game playing, attention problems, and impulsiveness:
Evidence of bi-directional causality
Douglas A. Gentile, Edward L. Swing, Choon Guan Lim, and Angeline Khoo
How to cite: Gentile, D. A., Swing, E. L., Lim, C. G., & Khoo, A. (2012). Video game playing, attention problems, and impulsiveness: Evidence of
bi-directional causality. Psychology of Popular Media Culture, 1, 62-70.
Research Article
Television and Video Game Exposure and the Development of Attention
Problems
Edward L. Swing, Douglas A. Gentile, Craig A. Anderson, David A. Walsh
How to cite: Edward L. Swing, Douglas A. Gentile, Craig A. Anderson, David A. Walsh 2010,
Television and Video Game Exposure and the Development of Attention Problems Pediatrics Vol. 126 No. 2 pp. 214 -221 (doi:
10.1542/peds.2009-1508.)
Research Article
Television and Video Game Exposure and the Development of Attention
Problems
Edward L. Swing, Douglas A. Gentile, Craig A. Anderson, David A. Walsh
How to cite: Edward L. Swing, Douglas A. Gentile, Craig A. Anderson, David A. Walsh 2010,
Television and Video Game Exposure and the Development of Attention Problems Pediatrics Vol. 126 No. 2 pp. 214 -221 (doi:
10.1542/peds.2009-1508.)
Video Games and AttentionVideo Games and Attention

The Effects of Over-ArousalThe Effects of Over-Arousal

ArousalArousal AddictionAddiction RewardReward

Two Basic Modes for the Human BrainTwo Basic Modes for the Human Brain
‘Meaningless’
Prefrontal under-function?
• Strong feelings
• Sensory
• Here-and-now
• External environment dominant
• Little ‘meaning’
• Reduced sense of self
• No time-space
• Infants and children
• More
‘Meaningful’
Prefrontal activation?
• Thinking dominates
• Cognitive
• Past / present / future
• Internal perceptions dominant
• Personalised ‘meaning’
• Strong sense of self
• Clear time-space reference
• Older children and adults
• Less

Having aHaving a
sensationalsensational
time…time…
Letting yourself go…Letting yourself go…

Research Article
Decision-Making in Obesity: A Study using the Gambling
Pignatti R, Bertella L, Albani G, Mauro A, Molinari E, Semenza C.
How to cite: Eat Weight Disord. (2006) Decision-Making in Obesity: A Study using the Gambling
11(3):126-32
Research Article
Decision-Making in Obesity: A Study using the Gambling
Pignatti R, Bertella L, Albani G, Mauro A, Molinari E, Semenza C.
How to cite: Eat Weight Disord. (2006) Decision-Making in Obesity: A Study using the Gambling
11(3):126-32

WithoutWithout
SchizophreniaSchizophrenia
WithWith
SchizophreniaSchizophrenia

Childhood and Schizophrenia SimilaritiesChildhood and Schizophrenia Similarities
Easily distractedEasily distracted
Short attention spanShort attention span
Inability to interpret proverbsInability to interpret proverbs
Under-functioning PrefrontalUnder-functioning Prefrontal
CortexCortex

A Common Factor:A Common Factor:
The Press of the Senses?The Press of the Senses?

‘Meaningless’
Prefrontal under-function?
• Strong feelings
• Sensory
• Here-and-now
• External environment dominant
• Little ‘meaning’
• Reduced sense of self
• No time-space
• Infants and children
• More
‘Meaningful’
Prefrontal activation?
• Thinking dominates
• Cognitive
• Past / present / future
• Internal perceptions dominant
• Personalised ‘meaning’
• Strong sense of self
• Clear time-space reference
• Older children and adults
• Less
Two Basic Modes for the Human BrainTwo Basic Modes for the Human Brain

AA
CONTINUOUSCONTINUOUS
CYCLE?CYCLE?
(2)(2) High arousal, highHigh arousal, high
levels of dopaminelevels of dopamine
releaserelease
(6)(6) Conditions of childhood,Conditions of childhood,
schizophrenia, obesityschizophrenia, obesity
(5(5)) Dopamine causes PFCDopamine causes PFC
hypo-functionhypo-function
(4)(4) DopamineDopamine
releasedreleased
(3)(3) Reward seekingReward seeking
addictive behaviouraddictive behaviour
(7)(7) Drive: sensationDrive: sensation
over cognitionover cognition
(8)(8) Greater appeal of aGreater appeal of a
screen environment?screen environment?
(1)(1) Intense stimulation ofIntense stimulation of
screen: fast responsescreen: fast response

The Environment of the Screen:The Environment of the Screen:
Social Networking SitesSocial Networking Sites

Words: 10% of total impactWords: 10% of total impact
Eye contactEye contact
Body languageBody language
Voice(tone/rate/volume)Voice(tone/rate/volume)
Pheromones ?Pheromones ?
Physical contact ?Physical contact ?
Communications in Three DimensionsCommunications in Three Dimensions

• A link between atypical brain wave responses in problematic face recognition,
characteristic of autism, and also of heavy internet users (He et al., 2011)
• A link between autistic spectrum disorders and an under-functioning prefrontal cortex,
indicative of a more literal take on the world (Amodio & Frith 2006)
• A link between early screen experiences and later development of autism (Waldman et
al., 2006)
• A link between autistic conditions and an appeal of screen technologies (Finkenauer et
al., 2012).
• A link between autistic spectrum disorder and compulsive video game use (Mazurek &
Engelhardt 2013)
A Link Between Autistic Type Behaviour and theA Link Between Autistic Type Behaviour and the
Screen?Screen?

Promoting Teamwork in 21Promoting Teamwork in 21stst
Century MindsCentury Minds

Research Article
Computers in Human Behavior
Yalda T. Uhlsa, Minas Michikyanb, Jordan Morrisc, Debra Garciad, b, Gary W. Smalle, Eleni Zgourouf, Patricia
M. Greenfielda
How to cite: Yalda T. Uhls, Minas Michikyan, Jordan Morris, Debra Garcia, Gary W. Small, Eleni Zgourou, Patricia M. Greenfield, Five days at
outdoor education camp without screens improves preteen skills with nonverbal emotion cues, Computers in Human Behavior, Volume 39, October
2014, Pages 387-392, ISSN 0747-5632, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2014.05.036.
Research Article
Computers in Human Behavior
Yalda T. Uhlsa, Minas Michikyanb, Jordan Morrisc, Debra Garciad, b, Gary W. Smalle, Eleni Zgourouf, Patricia
M. Greenfielda
How to cite: Yalda T. Uhls, Minas Michikyan, Jordan Morris, Debra Garcia, Gary W. Small, Eleni Zgourou, Patricia M. Greenfield, Five days at
outdoor education camp without screens improves preteen skills with nonverbal emotion cues, Computers in Human Behavior, Volume 39, October
2014, Pages 387-392, ISSN 0747-5632, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2014.05.036.
FIVE DAYS AT OUTDOOR EDUCATION CAMP WITHOUT SCREENSFIVE DAYS AT OUTDOOR EDUCATION CAMP WITHOUT SCREENS
IMPROVES PRETEEN SKILLS WITH NONVERBAL EMOTION CUESIMPROVES PRETEEN SKILLS WITH NONVERBAL EMOTION CUES.

History of Blogging…History of Blogging…
1999: So I just have to tell someone about this thing
my cat did today…
2004: OMG! Cat pictures!
2005: Moving cat pictures!
2007: 1:00pm. My cat just sneezed!
1:02pm. Cat sneezed again!
1:04pm. Cat hasn’t sneezed recently. Getting worried.

Research Article
Self-Presentation 2.0: Narcissism and Self-Esteem on Facebook
Soraya Mehdizadeh, B.Sc.
How to cite: Mehdizadeh S. 2010 Self-Presentation 2.0: Narcissism and Self-Esteem on Facebook
13(4):357-64. doi: 10.1089/cyber.2009.0257.
Research Article
Self-Presentation 2.0: Narcissism and Self-Esteem on Facebook
Soraya Mehdizadeh, B.Sc.
How to cite: Mehdizadeh S. 2010 Self-Presentation 2.0: Narcissism and Self-Esteem on Facebook
13(4):357-64. doi: 10.1089/cyber.2009.0257.

The ‘Something’ about Social NetworkingThe ‘Something’ about Social Networking
Sharing personal info: feel good
Loneliness bad for health SNS: release of dopamine
No normal restraints of
negative body language
Privacy trade-off
‘Real’ you more
vulnerable
Real you concealed in favour
of ideal you
Loneliness

THE ‘REAL’ YOU?

Developing an Inner Narrative…and Identity

‘‘From the moment we become aware of others, we demand to beFrom the moment we become aware of others, we demand to be
told stories that allow us to make sense of the world, to inhabit thetold stories that allow us to make sense of the world, to inhabit the
mind of someone else. In old age we tell stories to make smallmind of someone else. In old age we tell stories to make small
museums of memory. It matters not whether the stories are true ormuseums of memory. It matters not whether the stories are true or
imaginary.imaginary.
The narrative, whether oral or written, is a staple of every culture theThe narrative, whether oral or written, is a staple of every culture the
world over. But stories demand time and concentration; theworld over. But stories demand time and concentration; the
narrative does not simply transmit information, but invites the readernarrative does not simply transmit information, but invites the reader
or listener to witness the unfolding of events’.or listener to witness the unfolding of events’..
Ben MacintyreBen Macintyre

Ellie SimmonsMo Farrah
Peak Performance as anPeak Performance as an
Integral Part of Identity and a Life Story...Integral Part of Identity and a Life Story...

The Environment of the Screen:The Environment of the Screen:
Search EnginesSearch Engines

Research Article
Higher Media Multi-Tasking Activity Is Associated with Smaller
Gray-Matter Density in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex
Kep Kee Loh,Ryota Kanai
How to cite: Loh KK, Kanai R (2014) Higher Media Multi-Tasking Activity Is Associated with Smaller Gray-Matter Density in the Anterior
Cingulate Cortex. PLoS ONE 9(9): e106698. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0106698
Research Article
Higher Media Multi-Tasking Activity Is Associated with Smaller
Gray-Matter Density in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex
Kep Kee Loh,Ryota Kanai
How to cite: Loh KK, Kanai R (2014) Higher Media Multi-Tasking Activity Is Associated with Smaller Gray-Matter Density in the Anterior
Cingulate Cortex. PLoS ONE 9(9): e106698. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0106698

Research Article
Laptop multitasking hinders classroom learning for both users
and nearby peers
Faria Sana, Tina Weston, Nicholas J. Cepeda
How to cite: Faria Sana, Tina Weston, Nicholas J. Cepeda, Laptop multitasking hinders classroom learning for both users and nearby
peers, Computers & Education, Volume 62, March 2013, Pages 24-31, ISSN 0360-1315,
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2012.10.003
Research Article
Laptop multitasking hinders classroom learning for both users
and nearby peers
Faria Sana, Tina Weston, Nicholas J. Cepeda
How to cite: Faria Sana, Tina Weston, Nicholas J. Cepeda, Laptop multitasking hinders classroom learning for both users and nearby
peers, Computers & Education, Volume 62, March 2013, Pages 24-31, ISSN 0360-1315,
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2012.10.003
• Participants who multitasked on a laptop during a lecture scored lower on a
test compared to those who did not multitask
• Participants who were in direct view of a multitasking peer scored lower on a
test compared to those who were not.
Multitasking on a laptop poses a significant distraction to both users and
fellow students and can be detrimental to comprehension of lecture
content.

Research Article
Google Generation II: web behaviour experiments with the BBC
David Nicholas, Ian Rowlands, David Clark and Peter Williams.
How to cite: David Nicholas, Ian Rowlands, David Clark, Peter Williams, (2011) "Google Generation II: web behaviour experiments with the BBC", Aslib Proceedings, Vol.
63 Iss: 1, pp.28 - 45
Research Article
Google Generation II: web behaviour experiments with the BBC
David Nicholas, Ian Rowlands, David Clark and Peter Williams.
How to cite: David Nicholas, Ian Rowlands, David Clark, Peter Williams, (2011) "Google Generation II: web behaviour experiments with the BBC", Aslib Proceedings, Vol.
63 Iss: 1, pp.28 - 45
Findings –Findings – The Google Generation appears to behave very differently fromThe Google Generation appears to behave very differently from
older generations. By their own admission they are less confident aboutolder generations. By their own admission they are less confident about
their searching prowess and this is also demonstrated by the fact that theytheir searching prowess and this is also demonstrated by the fact that they
viewed fewer pages, visited fewer domains and undertook fewer searches.viewed fewer pages, visited fewer domains and undertook fewer searches.
Also, tellingly, their search statements were much more the product of cutAlso, tellingly, their search statements were much more the product of cut
and paste.and paste.

Princess Marya…Princess Marya…

The Cognitive Benefits of Interacting with NatureThe Cognitive Benefits of Interacting with Nature
Marc G. Berman, JohnMarc G. Berman, John
Jonides, and StephenJonides, and Stephen
Kaplan PsychologicalKaplan Psychological
Science, 2008. 19 1207-12.Science, 2008. 19 1207-12.

Lazarov, O. Mattson MP, Peterson DA,
Pimplikar SW, van Praag H. When
Neurogenesis Encounters Aging and
Disease. Trends Neurosci. (2010) 33(12):
569-579.
More dividing
cells
More newly
born neurons
Running Enhances ‘Neurogenesis’:Running Enhances ‘Neurogenesis’:
Production of New NeuronsProduction of New Neurons

Physical Activity and Academic Performance in
School-age Children
Charles H. Hillman, Kirk I. Erickson &
Arthur F. Kramer
Nature Reviews Neuroscience 9, 58-65
(2008)

Exercise-training Effects on Cognition in Older AdultsExercise-training Effects on Cognition in Older Adults
Charles H. Hillman, Kirk I. Erickson and Arthur F. Kramer

Research Article
Effect of Exercise Training on Striatal Dopamine D2/D3 Receptors in
Methamphetamine Users during Behavioral Treatment
Chelsea L Robertson, Kenji Ishibashi, Joy Chudzynski, Larissa J Mooney3, Richard A Rawson, Brett A Dolezal, Christopher B Cooper, Amira K Brown,
Mark A Mandelkern and Edythe D London
How to cite: Neuropsychopharmacology advance online publication 11 November 2015; doi: 10.1038/npp.2015.331
Research Article
Effect of Exercise Training on Striatal Dopamine D2/D3 Receptors in
Methamphetamine Users during Behavioral Treatment
Chelsea L Robertson, Kenji Ishibashi, Joy Chudzynski, Larissa J Mooney3, Richard A Rawson, Brett A Dolezal, Christopher B Cooper, Amira K Brown,
Mark A Mandelkern and Edythe D London
How to cite: Neuropsychopharmacology advance online publication 11 November 2015; doi: 10.1038/npp.2015.331

• High IQHigh IQ
• Efficient information processingEfficient information processing
• Short attention spanShort attention span
• Icons not ideasIcons not ideas
• Sensation at premiumSensation at premium
• Risk takerRisk taker
• Low empathyLow empathy
• Need for constant feedbackNeed for constant feedback
• Weak sense identityWeak sense identity
• Low grade aggressionLow grade aggression
(4) THE MINDSET OF THE FUTURE?(4) THE MINDSET OF THE FUTURE?

Promoting Individual FulfilmentPromoting Individual Fulfilment

“Even so, mankind will suffer badly from the disease of
boredom, a disease spreading more widely each year and
growing in intensity. This will have serious mental, emotional
and sociological consequences, and I dare say that
psychiatry will be far and away the most important medical
specialty in 2014. The lucky few who can be involved in
creative work of any sort will be the true elite of mankind, for
they alone will do more than serve a machine.”
Isaac Asimov, 1964

From INFORMATION to NEW IDEASFrom INFORMATION to NEW IDEAS
1) Isolated Fact
2) Relate to other facts =
3) Significance
4) Place facts in wider, conceptual framework =
5) Understanding
6) Make unprecedented connections =
7) New significance and understanding =
8) New ideas!

Mind Change:Mind Change:
Global,Global,
Controversial,Controversial,
Unprecedented,Unprecedented,
Multifaceted…Multifaceted…