Attention is a valuable commodity in today’s world, as we often find ourselves juggling multiple tasks, devices, and sources of input. Our brains are wired to seek new information and attend to elements that stand out in our environment. This desire for novelty is an evolutionary trait meant to keep us curious and continuously learning (Levitin, 2014). In his book “The Organized Mind: Thinking Straight in the Age of Information Overload”, Daniel Levitin discusses how the brain craves novelty because it releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for our pleasure and reward system.

In the modern era, our thirst for novelty translates into an attraction to emotionally or mentally engaging content that evokes a strong response. In their study on viral content, Nelson-Field et al. (2013) found that videos with high emotional arousal were more likely to be shared than those with low arousal. Emotions such as awe, amusement, surprise, or anger make content memorable and engaging. This creates a cycle where we seek out information that provides these emotional rewards while simultaneously ignoring less stimulating content.

Additionally, our tendency toward cognitive biases plays a role in our attraction to mental shiny things. The availability heuristic leads us to think that recent or salient events are more significant than they may actually be (Kahneman, 2011). For example, social media algorithms operate on this principle by showing us content that is highly engaging and similar to what we have previously liked or shared. This perpetuates our exposure to attention-grabbing mental and emotional stimuli, creating a reinforcing cycle of interest.

In summary, our brains are hardwired to seek novelty and attend to emotionally or mentally stimulating information. Coupled with cognitive biases and the structure of modern media consumption, this creates a powerful attraction to mental and emotional “shiny things.” As we navigate our information-dense world, it’s essential to be mindful of this allure and take care of our attention as the valuable resource it is.

References:

Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, Fast and Slow. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Levitin, D. J. (2014). The Organized Mind: Thinking Straight in the Age of Information Overload. Dutton.

Nelson-Field, K., Riebe, E., & Newstead, K. (2013). The emotions that drive viral video. Australasian Marketing Journal (AMJ), 21(4), 205-211.

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Our fascination with intellectually stimulating experiences may be partly explained by the way our brains are wired. Scientists believe that curiosity is an evolutionary advantage that helps humans adapt to new environments and learn essential survival skills (source). As a result, we’re naturally drawn to novel stimuli – such as new information or unexplored subjects – which activate our brain’s reward system (source).

However, in the age of information overload, when we have access to vast amounts of knowledge at our fingertips, this proclivity can become overwhelming. Many people feel constant pressure to keep up with the latest trends or immerse themselves in the next exciting topic. This can lead to stress and burnout as we struggle to absorb everything that catches our interest.

To reduce the stress associated with craving mentally shiny things, it’s crucial to develop healthy coping strategies:

1. Set boundaries: Rather than trying to learn everything about a subject or stay current on all trends within your field, establish clear limits for yourself. For example, allocate specific time blocks each day or week dedicated solely to exploring new areas of interest.

2. Prioritize your passions: Instead of spreading yourself too thin by dabbling in countless topics or courses simultaneously, focus on one or two areas that truly captivate you. By directing your energy towards a small number of passions, you’ll feel more fulfilled and less overwhelmed.

3. Practice mindfulness: It’s essential to recognize when your desire for mental stimulation becomes excessive. Engaging in mindfulness practices, such as meditation or journaling, can help you identify and acknowledge your feelings of stress and facilitate more balanced decision-making.

4. Implement digital detox periods: Regularly unplugging from the constant influx of information can do wonders for your mental health. Designate “offline” hours throughout the day or week to give your mind time to process and recharge.

Our attraction to intellectually shiny things is both natural and beneficial. However, managing this curiosity effectively is crucial to reducing stress and maintaining a healthy sense of well-being. By setting boundaries, prioritizing your passions, practicing mindfulness, and implementing digital detox periods, you can enjoy the excitement of learning new things without feeling overwhelmed.

Benefits of Digital Detox
Stress: It’s Killing Us

Sources:

– Gruber, M., Gelman B., & Ranganath C. (2014). States of curiosity modulate hippocampus-dependent learning via the dopaminergic circuit. Neuron 84(2), 486-496.

– Kang M. J., Hsu M., Krajbich I., Loewenstein G., McClure S., Wang J., & Camerer C. F. (2009). The wick in the candle of learning: epistemic curiosity activates reward circuitry and enhances memory. Psychological Science 20(8), 963-973.

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The Power of Unplugging

The individual in the video shared how disconnecting from the internet, television, cell phone, and other digital distractions led to a remarkable shift in her life. She spoke of reduced stress levels, increased peace, and an overwhelming sense of calm. This personal experiment underscored the idea that when we liberate ourselves from the constant tether of electronic devices, we open up the opportunity for our minds to explore, think, and engage with the physical world around us.

My Journey Towards a Digital Detox

Inspired by this video, I began to reflect on my own digital habits over the past two years. I realized that I had taken several steps to reduce my online presence and regain control of my life. One of the most significant changes I made was removing all social media apps from my phone. Now, I only access them when I’m on my computer, giving me a more deliberate and limited window into the digital world.

I also decided to declutter my email inbox. I spent a morning unsubscribing from numerous email lists that no longer served me. This not only saved me time but also reduced the mental clutter caused by a constant influx of irrelevant messages.

Customizing My Information Diet

Another key shift in my approach to digital consumption was altering how I consume news. Instead of watching regular news broadcasts, I now curate my own newsfeed online. This approach allows me to filter out noise and focus on the stories and issues that truly matter to me. I have the power to decide what I see or don’t see, ensuring that I stay informed without feeling overwhelmed.

Reclaiming the Present Moment

One of the most liberating changes I made was leaving my phone in the car when running errands. Most of the time, I found that I didn’t need it with me, and I could check it when I returned to the car. This simple act not only freed me from the constant barrage of notifications but also allowed me to be fully present in the moment, whether I was shopping, walking in the park, or enjoying a meal.

The Value of Uninterrupted Focus

I grew up in a time when the only way to reach someone was by calling their home phone. Answering machines introduced the concept of leaving messages for those who weren’t home. However, when I was out and about, it was “my” time, and I was fully engaged in whatever I was doing. This approach to life not only reduces stress but also enhances productivity and creativity. It allows us to focus on the task at hand without being constantly pulled in different directions by digital distractions.

Our Digital-Overloaded Lives

Our modern lives are saturated with information, far more than our ancestors could have ever imagined. Our brains are bombarded with an overwhelming amount of input on a daily basis, even if we aren’t consciously aware of it. The constant stream of notifications, emails, social media updates, and news alerts can take a toll on our mental well-being. It’s essential to recognize the impact of this digital overload and take steps to mitigate it.

In conclusion, the benefits of unplugging from the digital world, even if only temporarily, are evident. By consciously choosing when and how we engage with technology, we can reduce stress, regain control of our lives, and reclaim the peace and calm that often elude us in the constant buzz of the digital age. Our minds and bodies weren’t designed for the level of stress and information overload we experience today. Embracing a more mindful approach to our digital interactions can lead to a happier, healthier, and more balanced life.

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