FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Multitasking is a way of life for millions Americans... and to many, it seems like the more technology we can squeeze into every waking moment, the better.
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Maybe not.
The New York Times reports that digital devices and distractions - from cell phones, to laptops, iPods, e-mail and mobile games - could deprive our brains of necessary downtime.
People use phones and other electronic devices to get work done almost anywhere these days - from the gym, to the grocery store checkout line, the bus stop or a stoplight. Many see it as a way to make even the smallest window of time productive - or entertaining.
But researchers say that downtime is essential - it's a way to let the brain go over experiences it's had and turn them into long-term memories. And you can't do that if your nose is always stuck in some electronic device.
Scientists also say that even though people like multi-tasking - they might in fact be taxing their brains and tiring themselves out. Some people say they feel stressed out by the pressure to constantly stay in contact.
Meanwhile, there's a new study out that shows teens are becoming addicted to texting - with the average teen sending 3,000 texts a month.
3,000.
Experts say the same part of the brain is stimulated with both texting and using drugs, like heroin. Signs of being addicted to texting include: losing track of time, not eating or sleeping, ignoring other people or lying because of texting and always needing to receive more texts.
Here’s my question to you: Is too much technology a bad thing?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Emerson in Los Angeles writes:
I believe too much technology isn't necessarily a bad thing, but how people USE that technology is. People at work look at me funny when I come knocking on their cubicle, rather than sending an e-mail. People get mad when I don't answer my cell phone at any given time of the day. People wonder why I don't constantly update where in my apartment I am, or what I'm doing with the cat, or what color laundry I'm folding at this instant.
Joe writes:
The technology explosion has accelerated greatly in the past 100 years. It has created a new environment to which we have not fully assimilated. However, your question is irrelevant. We do not have a choice of more or less technology. The future will bring more and the challenge is to utilize it constructively for the benefit of society.
Paul writes:
It sure can be. We all cry out for jobs, jobs, jobs, yet go download a digital book from an online seller. We're so quick to embrace new things as progress, but do we think about how acts like that contribute to killing entire industries and the jobs that go with them, yet replace only a fraction of the people in return? Business loves technology, it helps their bottom lines, that in and of itself should make us all stop and think.
Dennis in Minneapolis writes:
Depends what angle you're talking about. Too much quantity is bad. Too much T.V., computer games, sitting around, is bad. The level of sophistication is another matter. Technology always benefits us the more advanced it becomes.
Renee writes:
Just ask some texting kid to explain the phrase "Stop and smell the roses." When they ask what website or app is that on, you'll have your answer.
Bill in Atlanta writes:
Jack, The issue is not technology. The issue is mindless, inane, silly, goofy banter. But enough about cable news shows.
Mario writes:
Jack, Speaking as someone who has been a system architect for more than 25 years and close to retirement, I can say this: I will use my desktop computer as an anchor for my boat; I will take the heaviest hammer I own and smash my cell phone to bits; and I will get rid of cable and high-speed internet and spend the rest of my life reading books (yes, actual books), tying flies (my real passion is fly fishing) and taking a nap on my recliner after lunch.