Does new technology help or hinder the progress of humanity?

 " The world is changing faster than ever, thanks to technology. Computing power has doubled every 18 months for the last 30 years, said internet expert Clay Shirky. The world has gone from about 5 billion people connected online in 2000 to an estimated 3.2 billion today (and almost half of those are accessing through mobile devices).

Few Decades

In the last few decades, technology has progressed at a staggering rate. Smartphones, the internet, cloud computing, and hundreds of other inventions are changing every facet of our lives. Communication, business, government, travel, fundraising, and even agriculture have been affected. But how about our brains? Is all this new technology changing us on the inside? Many think so, including psychology professionals.

So what exactly are these effects? Most psychologists say it's too soon to tell whether the shift toward a more digital existence is a good or bad thing.

Architecture of Brain

"If you look at the basic architecture of the brain, it hasn't changed for hundreds of thousands if not millions of years," said Dr Larry Rosen, a psychology professor at California State University and author of iDisorder: Understanding Our Obsession with Technology and Overcoming Its Hold on Us. "What's happening is that the environment has changed around us, and our brain architecture is having to adapt."

Human Brain

The human brain starts developing the moment we're born. At first, it grows astronomically; by age 3, an average child's brain has reached 80% of its adult size. But over the next 20 years, neuron connections— what Rosen calls the "neural infrastructure"— start to thin out.

"As we get older, our brain has a lot more experience at processing information," Sreenivasan said. "The neural infrastructure is a little bit thicker and stronger."

In this view, smartphones, social media and other technologies are helping us form stronger neural connections by presenting every individual with a limitless array of information that they must process.

"We're forcing our brains to confront new kinds of information," Rosen said. "Kind of like going to the gym and lifting weights. You get stronger."

Research from University at Buffalo

Recent research from the University at Buffalo shows that using Facebook strengthens pre-existing social relationships. The study found that using Facebook leads to an increase in the frequency of offline conversations, which leads to a bump in both satisfaction and trust with your friends.

"It's almost like you're exercising your brain," Rosen said. "Every time you force it out of its comfort zone, it gets stronger."

Effect of Screen

However, too much time spent in front of a screen may have the opposite effect. "Too much technology at too young an age could be counterproductive," Rosen said.

Research has shown that extended periods in front of a computer can lead to poor study habits, posture, and underdeveloped social skills. If children are using digital devices constantly— even just when they're multitasking at school— they may not be practising healthy habits.

But even if our brains are growing and changing, does that necessarily mean technology is a good thing? Experts say no: like anything else, it's all about moderation.

"You wouldn't sit there and do nothing for hours and hours," Sreenivasan said. "You don't want to be on your devices all the time— you want to have some downtime, too."

"Look at information technology as a tool that helps you think better," Rosen said. "Like any technology, if it's used inappropriately for too long, it could cause problems."

Rosen recommends limiting screen time and keeping computer use in public places. He also suggests being alert about how much time people spend on devices by talking to them and setting a good example for yourself. He recommends the 30-30 rule for young children: no more than half an hour of screen time a day, at least half an hour after homework is done.

Benefits of Digital Technology

With so many benefits of digital technology, it would seem ridiculous to abandon all our new gadgets. But with their dangers in mind— and a little self-control— we can tap into the benefits while keeping ourselves safe. Use digital technology,but don't let digital technology use you.