First Lady Michelle Obama was interviewed this morning on the Today Show. Among the various questions Matt Lauer asked one included whether or not the Obama girls (Malia, 12 years old and Sasha, 9 years old) are on Facebook. Mrs. Obama responded that they are not and they don't need to be. The idea of do they NEED to be is such a refreshing look at the idea of social networking. Do kids really need to be on the internet talking to friends, making plans, joining groups, "dating," and spending time away from real life human interactions?
Mrs. Obama seemed to say that her daughters don't need that type of social interaction at THEIR AGE. [Facebook has a "rule" that no one under the age of 13 is allowed to have a Facebook account, but we know that rule is broken.] Luckily, due to the Secret Service restrictions, Mrs. Obama and the President can avoid the discussion with their girls about what age would be appropriate.
Research shows that techology is changing the structure and operations of the brain. Again, I reference a great book by Gary Small and his wife Gigi Vorgan, "iBrain: Surviving the Technological Alteration of the Modern Mind." This resource describes the brain areas affected and what that means for young brains as they develop. Moreover, Small and Vorgan do a wonderful job in highlighting the differences between "Digital Native" brains - those younger generations growing up in a technological world - and "Digital Immigrants" brains - those older generations who have had to learn and train on much of the technological advances.
One of the greatest findings in the book and also supported by other research is the fact that the younger the brain is exposed to large amounts of technology the greater the changes may be. I believe that the "use it or lose is" principle of brain development is affected by three factors: (1) the time something was introduced: (2) what was introduced; and (3) how much is being introduced.
For example, research on the use of alcohol in young brains shows that there can be changes in the brain operations and structure. The research talks about the younger the child begins to use alcohol and the amount of consumption (i.e. daily, weekly, one glass, 5 glasses, etc.) will affect the brain. The adolescent brain continues to change and develop with a great period of development happening between the ages of 10 and 14. If they are using alcohol during a time when the brain is especially focused on the "use it or lose it" principle than what they are losing are certain parts of the brain that are damaged by alcohol.
Technology use is based on the same logical argument. Adolescents using multiple forms of technology at younger ages and for long periods of time strengthen those areas of the brain they need to successfully navigate this technological world but are losing some of the other skills that are not needed when playing video games, texting, surfing the net, and communicating on Facebook.
Some of the skills that my be lost are: (a) ability to read facial cues and other non-verbal signs; (b) understanding the concept of "personal space;" (c) the ability to empathize with people; (d) thinking in a deeper level of introspection or understanding; and (e) form a loving, intimate relationship with somebody they "like." While skills may be lost, others are surely gained. "Digital Native" brains can process information at a greater speed, are better at hand-eye coordination, improve perferial vision, and are exposed to a larger, global community full of different cultures, languages, and human relationships.
The point is knowing when it is AGE appropriate and BRAIN DEVELOPMENT appropriate for your kids to use technology, what forms of technology and how long they can use it.
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