Hyperactivity Within One’s Consciousness

As our technology and digital world continues to progress in the current times, we find that more and more human beings are engaging in social media platforms (i.e Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.), constant television watching, using newly developed apps for excessive streaming (i.e Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, etc.), playing more video games as old game consoles progress and new ones are developed (i.e PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, etc.), and partaking in other social engagements (i.e calling, texting/messaging, video chatting/facetiming), and so much more.

In the United States alone, approximately 70 percent of young children and teenagers already show signs of addiction to social media as social media platforms have massively expanded in just a mere 20 years. Through the popularity growing within video games, by the time one reaches their teenage years, roughly 15 percent already display signs of video game addiction. To further express the epidemic of over-activity within the human beings, although television usage has diminished with only 2-12 percent of people being addicted to watching television, streaming apps have been the replacement with nearly 80 percent of today’s youth and even young adults (Gen Z) excessively streaming on apps. More than half of Americans (57 percent) are admittedly addicted to their phones and spend 3 or more hours daily on social media or engaging in something else.

As some may or may not be aware of these statistics, what one usually does not comprehend is the effects this has on the average human being and how this is becoming more common as time goes on. Over stimulation can significantly affect the brain in its entirety leading to stress due to sensory overloads, increased anxiety and emotional dysregulation, as well as cognitive impairments such as lack of concentration, memory loss and decision-making abilities. When the brain is overloaded (receiving too much sensory or mental input) it can struggle to process everything that then causes anxiety and difficulty focusing. Over stimulation can increase irritability and agitation as well from lingering stress and anxiety that then spew out into uncontrolled emotions and physical behaviors displayed outwardly.

Parts of the brain such as the Amygdala (which processes emotions and stress) can become overwhelmed, in turn activating the fight or flight response. The Thalamus (which filters sensory information) may struggle to process and even prioritize the incoming input at such a frequent pace. Most importantly, the Frontal Lobe which has many cognitive functions (motor control, thinking/problem solving, memory, self-control, planning/organizing and decision making) can severely be affected by hyperactivity, especially when these practices occur in excess (becoming unhealthy) at a very young age when the Frontal Lobe is still developing (full development is not reached until about 25 years of age).

Ancient Symbol for Absence of Absolutely Full Development (Unvolllkommenheit)

One usually wonders why one has trouble sleeping or why one cannot turn off their thoughts (quiet their mind). Excessive screen time emits what is known as “Blue light” which is found in electronic devices such as smart phones, computers, tablets, etc. Blue light has the capability to suppress the Melatonin hormone, which regulates sleep, making it harder to fall asleep, throwing off sleeping patterns and even cause insomnia is the worst of cases. When one’s body sleep schedule is thrown off, this can impact one’s physical and mental health. Contrary to belief, everyone is capable of wiring their brains in a certain way to function. Therefore, if someone has been over stimulating their brain for a long period of time, such things like anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, overthinking, uncontrolled emotions and unregulated sleeping patterns will be displayed within these human beings. In addition to that, one might find themselves in the daily life being a very talkative person, needing people around all the time as isolation can be bothersome, uncomfortable in quiet spaces, needing frequent background noises (i.e television on without watching it, constant music playing or white noises/pink noises/nature sounds when falling asleep). After very long periods of certain practices, the brain’s structure and functions do change, making functions involuntary at times, almost as if the human being is controlled by their own brain and not the other way around anymore. This can be displayed in one’s who overthink or when trying to focus or sleep, receive many fleeting thoughts.

Although this seems as a negative, the positive to all of this is that because the brain has the capability to be forever changing through experiences, learning and practices as the human being continues their way through the life, these negative effects can be transformed. If one chooses to change their daily habits by unplugging from electronic devices ever so often and moderating how much screen time is used or how much time is spent online on a daily basis, especially leaving a sufficient amount of time before bed so the brain and body are able to relax appropriately to improve sleep, maybe steps into some pathways of relaxation (i.e taking walks, stretching, yoga, swimming, reading, etc.), embarks on activities that require deep attention and focus to help eliminate mind-wandering, considers meditating (a practice that involves training your mind and body to focus and achieve a state of mental and emotional calmness), or tries listening to calming music such as classical or instrumental pieces, these are all ways to help reduce over activity/stimulation in one’s mind.

As one masters these new ways of life, it has proven to decrease stress, anxiety, depression and overthinking. It also helps with oneself becoming more emotionally regulated and in control, calm, and focused. One could even find themselves enjoying time alone and quiet spaces, sleeping better, as well as not being overly social or fantasizing. As the brain becomes quieter, fleeting thoughts will begin to dissipate, making meditation easier for those who already actively meditate but may find it difficult or those who are just starting. However, to reiterate, if one has no willingness to stray away from negatively impacted behaviors, these positive changes may not come until the will of the human being is altered.

आँ Esmerelda Kopczyk | Guest Writer