I have a new video blog (below) on the benefits of playing video games. I’ve been blogging about the issue of whether video game violence causes children and adolescents to become violent in multiple parts, as this is a big topic. Now, I grew up a gamer and still play video games (when I can …Read More
Unchecked Internet Time Can Have Harmful Effects
Feb 17, 2013
Think back to your day. What portion of it did you spend on the Internet? Between social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, or Tumblr and the endless amount of information you can find online, there are plenty of time-fillers on the Internet. Online Communication is Increasing Today it appears that practically everyone uses the …Read More
Say Om…and Improve your Attention
Mar 30, 2012
In a previous blog, I discussed executive functioning deficits with ADHD, specifically how these affect impulsivity, working memory, attention, and organization. It is also known that stress interferes with executive function and emotional regulation. It turns out that there are many exploratory studies on the benefits of meditation and relaxation. It is a common means of …Read More
Mindfulness Book Recs – East Meets West
Jan 15, 2012
Mindfulness is an approach to living that involves an open, active attention to the present moment in a non-judgemental fashion. In this way, we can observe our thoughts and feelings without becoming swept away by them. We can experience various thoughts and emotions, but they are not who we are. By being able to observe our thoughts …Read More
THE Answers to God, the Universe, and Everything
Nov 24, 2011
Please read my story at the end of this blog that ties into Chopra and Mlodinow’s new book War of the Worldviews: Science vs. Spirituality – it’s surreal and makes you go, “Hmmmm.” Is the universe conscious? What’s the connection between mind and brain? Does the brain dictate behavior? What is the nature of time? …Read More
OCD Symptoms Can Be Caused By Strep
Nov 3, 2011
I was working from home the other day, writing reports, and had the TV on as background noise. The program that was on was “The Doctors.” There I learned that Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) symptoms can sometimes be caused by a complication from a strep infection called Pediatric autoimmune psychiatric disorder (PANDAS). OCD manifests as …Read More
“The Brain That Changes Itself” by Norman Doidge, M.D. (Book Recommendation)
Aug 21, 2011
A fellow professional recommended this book to me a few years ago, and I finally go around to reading it (well, listening to the audiobook). Although a few years old, the findings and implications are still very relevant today. It is similar to Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain by Sharon Begley, which I blogged …Read More
“The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains” by Nicholas Carr (Book Recommendation)
Jun 11, 2011
I recently enjoyed the audiobook version of Nicholas Carr’s The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains. Yes, I did the audiobook version. Sometimes while I was driving. At double playback speed. Yes, I get the irony…or hypocrisy? In The Shallows, Mr. Carr chronicles the history of various ways we have dessimated information …Read More
“The Invisible Gorilla: How Our Intuitions Deceive Us” (Book Recommendation)
May 12, 2011
I recently completed the audiobook version of The Invisible Gorilla: How Our Intuitions Deceive Us is by scholars and professors Christopher Chabris, Ph.D. and Daniel Simons, Ph.D. As the name implies, they describe the results and implications of fascinating research on the fallibility and shortcomings of human perception, attention, and memory. They introduce concepts such as “change …Read More
The Problem of Technology “Addiction” – The Neuroscience of Tech Addiction
Mar 21, 2011
Before we even tackle why various technologies can be addictive, a clear concern about Facebook, texting, email, video games, etc. is that they can become so compelling that we stop engaging in other need-satisfying activities. To borrow a term from the economic world, any technology that we become enamored with creates an “opportunity cost.” What aren’t we …Read More