Digital distraction and its discontents: book review of ‘The Shallows’ and ‘Distracted’

Digital distraction and the loss of depth and meaning Do smart devices hinder our ability to think deeply? Are social networking sites displacing meaningful connections in the real world? Over the years, researchers have asked such questions about digital distraction, and not without reason. As smartphone ownership has risen and social media use has increased, … Read more

Distracted driving laws and why they need to improve

Distracted driving laws FAQs Those who have followed my writing as of late probably noticed I’ve felt a need to write about the problem of distracted driving, including shortcomings with some distracted driving laws in my state (Minnesota) and other states. For instance, on this site, I’ve written about research on distracted driving and distracted … Read more

Hands-free devices are no safer than hand-held phones while driving!

Do hands-free devices make roads any safer? Recently, MinnPost (a Minnesota newspaper) published an opt-ed I wrote (“Hands-free cellphone bill won’t stop distracted driving”). In it, I criticized a hands-free law passed in Minnesota, which bans the use of hand-held phones while driving. Evidently, proponents of this law assume that using hands-free devices in the … Read more

Multitasking is a liability, not a skill – a reminder we’re not computers

Multitasking skills? There was a job interview I had in the not-too-distant past when the hiring manager asked me a peculiar question: “So, how are your multitasking skills?” Now, as a former student who minored in cognitive science, and as someone who dabbles in mindfulness meditation, I felt tempted to go into a spiel about … Read more

On focus vs. distraction: Book review of ‘Deep Work’

Deep work vs. shallow work I’m a fan of Cal Newport for the same reason I like Henry David Thoreau. Newport sees immense value in the ability to focus and filter out distractions. For this reason, I highly recommend his book Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World. The key idea is … Read more

Cellular division: What is distracted driving, and why is it dangerous?

Cellphones and distracted driving When I was in grad school studying technical communication and cognitive science, a pressing question bothered me. It dealt with a problem that affected many of my peers, particularly those of us who drove. Why does using a cellphone in the car distract from driving? What is distracted driving? It’s a … Read more