Virtual Habits
The vitality of our well-being rests upon the health of our communication systems. In today's interconnected world, social media stands as a pivotal conduit, fostering connections, sharing, and global learning. However, as anxiety disorders escalate, with 40 million American adults grappling with debilitating uncertainty or fear, it's clear that some aspects of our communication landscape warrant closer scrutiny.
Enter the intriguing realm of neuroscience, where research delves into retraining the brain through an unexpected medium – the tongue. While primarily focused on neurological disorders, the revelation of the tongue's influence on brain health sparks a sense of awe.
The intriguing notion of pairing sensory integration with digital communication prompts contemplation. Neuroscience affirms the profound impact of our primary senses, not only on learning but also on nurturing coping mechanisms, especially in trauma survivors. In this light, the dictation feature on our smartphones gains a newfound significance.
Perhaps, adopting speaking to technology as a social habit could hold unforeseen benefits for our mental health. There’s evidence that the path forward to fostering a healthier connection with ourselves and others by way of technology might just be a matter of using voice to text dictation.
Questions to consider.
What’s one way you might practice using a primary sense (beyond sight) with social media? Post a video? Draw or write something to post?
What’s one thing you can do today to connect with someone outside of the digital/internet realm? Send a letter or card? Walk over to your neighbors with fresh baked cookies?
How can you engage all your primary senses when you unplug? Juggle while chewing gum and singing happy birthday? Have fun with this challenge!
