Maybe I should switch research trajectories?

Submitted by David on Tue, 2010-08-17 00:45

From a New York Times article Your Brain on Computers: Outdoors and Out of Reach, Studying the Brain:

Mr. Braver, a psychology professor at Washington University in St. Louis, was one of five neuroscientists on an unusual journey. They spent a week in late May in this remote area of southern Utah, rafting the San Juan River, camping on the soft banks and hiking the tributary canyons.

It was a primitive trip with a sophisticated goal: to understand how heavy use of digital devices and other technology changes how we think and behave, and how a retreat into nature might reverse those effects.

How can I incorporate a rafting, camping, and hiking into my research? Or will I have to settle to adding in an extra day in locations to which I'm able to travel?

Comments

Sarennah

Mon, 2010-08-23 13:41

I went for a month without watching television and didn't really miss it to be honest although I did have some of my shows recorded while I was gone. But the difference is, I had things to do while away and when I'm back I may not always be able to go outside when it's hot and sunny with friends- it's something to do.

I'm pretty sure technology affects the brain - we need a lot more constant stimulation to stay interested in things. But a few days in nature makes you a lot more meditative I think. I don't know how long it takes that to be reversed.