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THE ISLAND
Part I:
Part II: |
THE ISLAND SYNDROME Part 2: A Link Between Biology and Technology (September 15, 2010)
So far, I have described two very different types of excessive behavior dependent on modern technology: text messaging and using pornography. I chose these two because they are interesting and provocative but, in fact, there are many other activities, mediated by technology, that lend themselves to excess: email, instant messaging, online gambling, video games, online games, buying psychoactive drugs, shopping, listening to music, using the Web ("surfing"), participating in virtual worlds, and so on. To this list, I would like to add a variety of substances and behaviors that don't necessarily involve technology but are related in an important way (which will become clear in a moment): alcohol, junk food, eating too much, caffeine, cigarettes, cocaine, amphetamines, marijuana, sex, and so on.
All of these behaviors and substances act upon
the human brain in a similar fashion.
You will have noticed that most of the items in our list are not inherently bad. Indeed, some of these activities (eating, sex, music, shopping, email, and using the Web) are a normal part of life. Others (alcohol and caffeine) can be fine in moderation. A few (cigarettes, cocaine, and amphetamines) are best avoided completely. What they all have in common is the potential of being used to excess. Why? Because all of these behaviors and substances act upon the human brain in a similar fashion. Specifically, everything I have just mentioned stimulates the "pleasure center" of the brain, thereby making a person feel good. Once you understand how this works, it will be easy to describe the link between biology and technology, so let's take a few moments to talk about biology.
© All contents Copyright 2024, Harley Hahn
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THE ISLAND A Link Between
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