“Popcorn Brain” — a brain so accustomed to the constant stimulation of electronic multitasking that we’re unfit for life offline, where things pop at a much slower pace.
Reading this blog right now could be a symptom of your very own Popcorn Brain.
CNN recently published an article on this ability, or disability-depending on how you use it. After self-diagnosing my self with Popcorn Brain, I started to see how much it truly effects my day. I often find myself eagerly awaiting each web page to load. At times, I become so anxious, I open another tab and begin a completely different task while the other page loads.While watching a television show on my DVR, my roommate skips through the commercials. In the 10 seconds it takes to reach the program, I have already began reading tweets on my Twitter iPhone application.
We all do it-and I will be impressed if you get through this entire blog post without checking your e-mail or cell phone…If you do, then I am proud to hold your attention to this point. Call it Popcorn Brain, or ADD. Either way, the human race has become so addicted and accustomed to the speed and convenience of technology that we crave it day in and day out. Doing an everyday activity, such as waiting for the microwave to finish can feel like it takes much longer after being exposed to luxuries like high speed internet and the capability to have an endless amount of information at our fingertips.
Check out these quotes from fellow Popcorn Brain sufferers:
“I never know what the next tweet is going to be. Who’s sent me an e-mail? What will I find with the next click of the mouse? What’s waiting for me?” says Cash, who practices in Redmond, Washington. “But I know what’s waiting for me in my garden.
I take a walk with my husband and I can’t resist the urge to check my e-mail. I feel guilty, but I do it.”
At this point in my life, I am thankful for my Popcorn Brain as it allows me to do many things at once during the work day. If you’re worried about your symptoms The Center for Internet and Technology Addiction offers a virtual Internet addiction test that can help you decide how serious your popcorn brain is.
