Technology Changes Could Make Smartphones Better for Brains

While many would say the smartphone has made life easier in many ways, the devices are also increasingly blamed for causing damage to the brain.

UBC Professor, Peter Reiner believes that redesigning the smartphone so that it could cultivate healthier connections between humans and technology is possible, but it would require a significant shift in ideology.

Reiner is a professor at the National Core for Neuroethics at UBC. He argues that as the smartphone currently exists, it doesn’t enhance cognitive function because the brain is already working well enough, with nothing being put forward to challenge it.

Reiner is suggesting that instead of trying to boost the brain from within, taking advantage of what is right in front of us- our phones- could be the tool to make us smarter.

“There is a huge potential to for new technology to improve brain function,” said Reiner.

“We can best improve our cognitive abilities by capitalizing on the blending of brain and technology. We need to find a way to use these technologies more wisely.”

In order to do this, Reiner said the design of our technologies needs to change.

“One approach that merits further consideration is the idea of calm technology, meaning devices that inform without distracting. For example, your phone might automatically go silent when it knows that you are in a meeting or sleeping unless the message is urgent.”

In a recent issue of Nature Outlook: Cognitive Health, Reiner’s research finds that in order to improve the relationship between the brain and technology, many people will be needed.

“We’ll need researchers who can examine the benefits and disadvantages of technology, policy makers and behavior scientists who can come up with creative ways to encourage best practices, and technology designers who can improve the user experience by creating devices that boost our cognitive abilities,” said Reiner.

Reiner said it will take a revolution in IT to make the changes, but regardless believes it is possible to harness the power of technology for the better of the brain.