Deluge of Digital Data (04:31)

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Information and communication technologies have transformed our societies, and today this deluge of digital data washes over us from all sides all the time. Smartphones, computers, and tablets are constantly seeking our attention, and the permanent zapping between these technologies has an impact on our lives and our brains.

Dealing with Multi-tasking Stress (02:04)

Matthieu Pedelahore works for a company that manages data networks. He does not have a choice; he has to be permanently connected. In his previous post, he had trouble dealing with the pressure due to digital devices. He chose to change jobs to reduce the stress.

Stressful Workplace Atmosphere (04:25)

In the modern working world, it has become almost impossible to disconnect from work. Being able to plug into your work at any time of day anywhere poses some questions in the private sphere. There might be cases of divorce or arguments with partners due to the excessive intrusion of the work smartphone in the family home. And when work becomes invasive, digital stress can lead to burnout.

Work Burnout (01:23)

Burnout is a serious problem in France and Germany, where 12 percent of the workforce is at high risk of experiencing it. This problem is closely linked to information and communication technologies, which can create a stressful work environment.

Can We Analyze the Nature of Stress? (07:07)

Digital devices are causing people to experience more stress and have shorter attention spans.

Synthetic Flight Simulations (03:34)

The pilot has to manage his priorities to execute his actions. When the helicopter pilot has to deal with a mechanical failure in a power line, he has to decide which is the most immediate danger. You will probably treat the power line as an imminent emergency. But switching tasks has a cost in terms of information treatment time. And in terms of errors, you can observe this in a simulator mission.

Conflict of Multitasking and Attention (05:33)

Studies show that trying to do multiple tasks at the same time leads to a decrease in attention span and that the "multitasker myth" is not supported by scientific evidence.

Attention Span Workshops (05:00)

Attention span is becoming a more important skill in the digital age, and scientists are working to help children develop it from a young age.

Mini Missions Instead of Multitasking (04:22)

Attention can be learned and it needs to be developed like a muscle. Multitasking is not effective and can be cognitively demanding. It is better to set mini missions each of which can be concluded, leaving you entirely available for the next mission.

Chess Training (08:15)

The article discusses how the use of new information technologies can have a negative impact on the workings of our brain. It cites the example of Francis Eustache, a neuropsychology researcher in Kong, who believes that it is essential for our brains to have periods of downtime in order to function properly.

Better Way for Humans and Computers to Interact (05:09)

Computers are getting better at understanding our cognitive load, so they can send us information accordingly. This research could have applications in fields like air traffic control, office work, and even email. However, we need to be careful not to let digital devices intrude too much into our private thoughts.

Credits (00:30)

Credits