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Do we suffer from technological autism?

WILLIAM BUNN

Globe and Mail Update

Latest comment posted at 12:48 AM EST 30/10/07

How much of our attention is lost or diverted under the influence of technology? How many of us are 'not there?' asks William Bunn ...Read the full article

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  1. Mark Outhwaite _ from Toronto, Canada writes: While the analogy is apt, I would hope that the author is only issuing a modest proposal, (or being facetious) as if to say that the habitude which users of hand held devices tend towards may be likened to symptoms of autism, the latter of which is expressly defined as a congenital disorder in which there is observed decreased activity in the caudate nucleus, a brain formation which links the pre-frontal cortex.

    "...prefrontal brain circuits play a critical role in maintaining and focusing attention, planning and setting goals, and keeping goals in memory during problem-solving and decision-making."

    -Dr. Ross Cunnington, Howard Florey Institute, Melbourne

    Autism is a multi-spectrum disorder rooted in an organic dysfunction, so while the symptoms described in the article would seem to indicate the behaviour of an autistic individual, the technology user still exercises some degree of agency in their assessment of the appropriateness of use, as well as in their pursuit of strategies of mindful deception so as to continue usage in contexts where such use might otherwise be deemed inappropriate. The article tends too strongly towards conflating socially maladaptive technology praxis in general with the specific symptoms of an organic neurological dysfunction, the latter of which (autism) remains for the most part irreversible. Technology in this case might be more appropriately termed as providing additional opportunities for people to behave badly, but in a way not nearly as serious and systemic as autism, which is a thoroughly incapacitating condition that can't be as easily turned off or put away as a PDA.
  2. Suzanne Michelle from NY, NY, United States writes: I've been "on-line" for nearly 18 years, but only started texting in last year. Text msgs go right to phone, are great for non-intrusive, "quick info confirm / meet me at this corner" type details, and definitely NOT while driving. But a whole conversation that way? When it's not a matter of life, death, equipment failure? Why? Lord Byron said that letter writing combines companionship and solitude in a very intimate way, and I find that to still be true, whether a message is typed quickly or leisurely ... at writing time, I am focusing on my listener/reader / reading audience (because often I need to say the same thing to 10 people ... 10 phonecalls, 10 visits ... that's a whole day gone. I do it, if a "personal touch" is required ... but that's not usually the case). There's a mantra somewhere that says "be where you are" ... and if one is at an event, BE at that event ... the idea is to support the event, for a child, a friend, an acting troup, whatever ... After 18 years of being "out here" and nearly 30 years intimately involved with hardware, software, vaporware, wetware, etc.-ware changes, I think it's mostly good. But I'm an optimist, and I like balance. Business will always be there tomorrow, but the child's recital, or soccer game, or command performance ... that is ephemeral and deserves its own quality of attention ... my highschool class's song was "We may never pass this way again" ... and that is still a good thot to keep in mind. IMCO (opinions are always considered, never humble).
  3. gordon mcpherson from ottawa, Canada writes: Suzanne Michelle...I could not have said it better myself...PEACE, LOVE AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS ONTO YOU AS YOU WOULD ONTO OTHERS
  4. Ric Hard from Toronto, Canada writes: Pretty obvious observations but it is important to note them.
  5. Gordon Murray from Canada writes: If only people would have the common courtesy to talk to such lengths to their cellphones that "voice to text" would facilitate the end of texting at the dinner table, there wouldn't need to be such articles as this...no need for those drawings of lines "polite courteous appropriate" texting at table, in contrast to when I ask the question.
    Let's get this straight once and for all.
    If I ask the question and YOU'RE texting, it's inappropriate.
    If YOU ask the question and I'm doing the reasonable texting, APPRECIATE the differences and respect them...maybe take notes...APPROPRIATELY TIMED notes...

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