Source-linked AI summary
Book Review of Susan Greenfield's 'Mind Change: How Digital Technologies Are Leaving Their Mark On Our Brains'
Todd Davies
TL;DR
Greenfield argues that digital technologies are changing the environment and may be changing the brain. This review examines her book and its critique, finding flaws in parts of its argument while judging it valuable for public discussion of possible effects.
Problem
Greenfield raises concerns that digital technologies may affect the brain and human traits, prompting debate about possible effects.
Source: p. 1Method
The review assesses Greenfield’s book alongside Bell et al.’s critique of its evidence and presentation.
Source: pp. 3–4Results
The review finds weaknesses in Greenfield’s presentation and autism argument, but considers the book valuable as a public appeal to attend to new media’s possible effects.
Source: pp. 3–4Takeaways & Limitations
The book’s recommendations include public deliberation, stakeholder surveys, further research, and software to address possible deficiencies from excessive screen use.
Source: p. 2The evidence does not appear to show technology effects early enough to cause autism.
Source: p. 3
Abstract
from arXiv · showhide
This is a review of Susan Greenfield's 2015 book 'Mind Change: How Digital Technologies Are Leaving Their Mark On Our Brains'. Greenfield is a neuroscientist and a member of the UK House of Lords, who argues that digital technologies are changing the human environment "in an unprecedented way," and that by adapting to this environment, "the brain may also be changing in an unprecedented way." The book and its author have created a surprising amount of controversy. I discuss both Greenfield's book and a prominent critique by Bell et al. (2015). The exchange points to some flaws in Greenfield's argument and represents an interesting debate about the public role of scientists, but it does not undermine the value of the book as a springboard for discussions about possible policies and future research.