Lecture Notes: Technology, Emotions, and Mental Health

Introduction

• Speaker: MH
• Topic: Impact of technology on our brains and mental health

Technology's Impact on the Brain

• General Impact: Generally negative, though some benefits exist
• Examples:
  • Social media, video games, and pornography can suppress negative emotions
  • Short-term relief from bad emotions but long-term problems

Behavioral Addiction

• Transition Moments: People use phones during downtimes (e.g., waiting in elevator)
• Design for Impulsivity: Features like Face ID reduce time between impulse and phone use

Emotional Suppression

• Outcome: Leads to life stagnation
• Role of Negative Emotions: Anger, sadness, shame, and fear are evolutionary features, not bugs
• Learning and Memory: Negative emotions are linked to learning motivation (e.g., shame fuels corrective action)

Technology Propagating Problems

• Percentage Impact: Estimated 30-50% of modern anxiety, depression linked to technology
• Amplification Effect: Technology can amplify existing problems (e.g., isolation among teenagers)

Examples of Amplification

• Personal Narrative: Use of technology to escape unresolved personal issues

Social Media and Mental Health

• Disconnection: Chronic social media usage disconnects users from real emotions
• Jonathan Haidt's View: Modern uptick in anxiety and depression among youth significantly related to technology

Coping with Emotional Problems

• Shame and Guilt: Addressing core emotions can be beneficial
• Sanskrit Concept: Unprocessed negative emotions (Sscar) impact behaviors and identities

Emotion Processing

• Learning Experience: Past negative experiences shape emotional responses
• Processing Techniques: Look at emotions from different perspectives, psychotherapy
• Schema and Identity: Trauma creates lasting impacts on perception and behavior

Western and Eastern Approaches

• Emotional Exercises:
  • Breathing exercises can regulate emotional states
  • Fixed Point Gazing (Thoa) and Perfect Stillness (Gash theum) as focus practices

Technology's Role in Modern Anxiety

• Distracting with Technology: Temporary escapism from future anxiety and past depression
• Root Problem: Attention control as a solution

Recommendations

• Therapeutic Practices: Meditation, focus exercises, and direct emotional engagement
• Western Techniques: Combination of psychotherapy and psychiatric approaches

Discussion

• Public Figures and Mental Health: Examples like Jordan Peterson show how media critiques emotional struggles
• Shame and Vulnerability: Important to recognize and address underlying causes in a non-judgmental way

Conclusion

• Focus on the Present: Maintaining attention on the present can alleviate anxiety and depression
• Life Optimization: Practical measures and exercises can significantly enhance mental well-being

Resources

• Book: How to Raise a Healthy Gamer by Dr. K
• Website: Healthy Gamer
• YouTube Channel: Healthy Gamer GG