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Human Devolution: -Or Is It a Disconnect In Smartphone Era?
As we navigate through the ever-evolving landscape of the 21st century, one device has become a ubiquitous presence in our the smartphone. With its immense power to connect, inform, and entertain, the smartphone has undeniably transformed the way we live. Yet, amidst these advancements, we must also confront a more troubling the subtle yet profound ways in which our reliance on this technology may be leading to a kind of devolution.
The term "devolution" here is not used in its traditional sense of biological regression, but rather as a metaphor for the unintended consequences of our digital dependencies. Smartphones have redefined our social interactions, reshaped our cognitive processes, and altered our daily habits. While they have brought unparalleled convenience and accessibility, they have also contributed to a decline in certain human faculties and behaviors.
However, I remain concerned that it may lead to permanent regression of human faculties, both mental and physical if unchecked. Darwinian hypothesis of evolution assumes that devolution cannot occur. Scientific evidence does not support that organism can revert to a more primitive form. Kurt Vonnegut’s 1985 Novel Galapagos assumed that smaller brains are needed to make the skull for more streamlined swimming and therefore the organism devolved to a smaller brain. But that was a novel. Dollo’s law of irreversibility in 1893 denies that devolution can occur and Richard Dawkins restated it saying it is improbable that the evolution will follow the same path twice. Likewise the concept of dysgenics by Richard Lynn in 1996 has been refuted more or less. However, smartphones account for the largest portion of carbon print in the world. They do affect the environment adversely. The changing environment may be playing a role in climate crisis and lung cancer occurring in women, younger population and non-smokers. The traits of deductive reasoning, novel ideas and mathematical expertise etc may be the victim once AI takes over all smartphones as soon as 1935.
In this exploration, I will delve into various facets of this phenomenon. I will examine how smartphones have impacted our attention spans, memory, and critical thinking abilities. I will explore the changing nature of our relationships, both virtual and real, and the implications for our emotional well-being. I will discuss the rise of tech-related jobs alongside the decline of traditional skills, and how these shifts are reshaping the workforce.
Furthermore, I will consider the mental and physical health challenges posed by excessive smartphone use, including anxiety, depression, and a sedentary lifestyle. We will highlight initiatives aimed at mitigating these negative impacts and envision a future where technology and human well-being coexist harmoniously.
Through this journey, my aim is not to demonize smartphones but to foster a deeper understanding of their complex role in our lives. By recognizing both the benefits and the pitfalls of this technology, we can make more informed choices about how to integrate it into our lives in a balanced and mindful way.
As I embark on this exploration, let us remain open to reflection and dialogue, seeking ways to harness the power of technology while preserving the essence of what makes us human. This is my call to action—to navigate the smartphone era with awareness and intention, striving for a future where technology enhances rather than diminishes our humanity.
Narayan Verma MD FAAN
Professor of Neurology
OUWB School of Medicine
The term "devolution" here is not used in its traditional sense of biological regression, but rather as a metaphor for the unintended consequences of our digital dependencies. Smartphones have redefined our social interactions, reshaped our cognitive processes, and altered our daily habits. While they have brought unparalleled convenience and accessibility, they have also contributed to a decline in certain human faculties and behaviors.
However, I remain concerned that it may lead to permanent regression of human faculties, both mental and physical if unchecked. Darwinian hypothesis of evolution assumes that devolution cannot occur. Scientific evidence does not support that organism can revert to a more primitive form. Kurt Vonnegut’s 1985 Novel Galapagos assumed that smaller brains are needed to make the skull for more streamlined swimming and therefore the organism devolved to a smaller brain. But that was a novel. Dollo’s law of irreversibility in 1893 denies that devolution can occur and Richard Dawkins restated it saying it is improbable that the evolution will follow the same path twice. Likewise the concept of dysgenics by Richard Lynn in 1996 has been refuted more or less. However, smartphones account for the largest portion of carbon print in the world. They do affect the environment adversely. The changing environment may be playing a role in climate crisis and lung cancer occurring in women, younger population and non-smokers. The traits of deductive reasoning, novel ideas and mathematical expertise etc may be the victim once AI takes over all smartphones as soon as 1935.
In this exploration, I will delve into various facets of this phenomenon. I will examine how smartphones have impacted our attention spans, memory, and critical thinking abilities. I will explore the changing nature of our relationships, both virtual and real, and the implications for our emotional well-being. I will discuss the rise of tech-related jobs alongside the decline of traditional skills, and how these shifts are reshaping the workforce.
Furthermore, I will consider the mental and physical health challenges posed by excessive smartphone use, including anxiety, depression, and a sedentary lifestyle. We will highlight initiatives aimed at mitigating these negative impacts and envision a future where technology and human well-being coexist harmoniously.
Through this journey, my aim is not to demonize smartphones but to foster a deeper understanding of their complex role in our lives. By recognizing both the benefits and the pitfalls of this technology, we can make more informed choices about how to integrate it into our lives in a balanced and mindful way.
As I embark on this exploration, let us remain open to reflection and dialogue, seeking ways to harness the power of technology while preserving the essence of what makes us human. This is my call to action—to navigate the smartphone era with awareness and intention, striving for a future where technology enhances rather than diminishes our humanity.
Narayan Verma MD FAAN
Professor of Neurology
OUWB School of Medicine
117 pages, Hardcover
Published December 3, 2024
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