The print and paper industry has been concerned about the rise of digital media and the perceived abandonment of traditional paper. This blog is an argument as to why reading from paper serves as a remedy to the psychological effects of using phones in the modern era.
The amount of digital images and text that we process each day is increasing year on year, with a remarkable average of 3 hours and 15 minutes on our phones alone.
The addiction to our screens and our non-stop communication has led to many issues including distraction at work and at home. The result is an often constant steam of switching between apps and tasks, rushing to multitask between listening to a loved one and ordering something online whilst making dinner. The problem with this is that it is neurologically impossible to multitask without performance suffering dramatically.
Studies at Harvard concluded that the ‘blue wavelength light from LED-based devices (phones, computers) increases the release of cortisol in the brain, which makes us more alert, and inhibits the production of melatonin, which is needed to fall asleep.’ The effect of having our gadgets close to our beds or using them at night disrupts sleep patterns drastically and the results of just hearing notifications on your device are damaging to your productivity.
What can be done to remedy these startling effects of digital consumption?
First and foremost, turn off your devices or remove them from your bedroom altogether as technology tricks your brain into being awake. Instead of using the device, read a book. Reading a book has been proven to:
Reduce Stress
Simulate Meditation
Ritualise bedtime
We all have a huge amount of screen time in the modern day; iPads, phones and computers have become part of our routine. Now we have to regulate our own need for these devices disrupting our brains and performance. Not only is printed media here to stay, the consumption of it could dramatically improve your sleep, your energy and your life.
– Springfield prints brochures for schools, universities and businesses.