Within today's day and age, it is so easy for misinformation to spread like wildfire online. Don't worry though, leave it to us psychology students to help you out in navigating this tricky online world!

Our brains have various neural networks in them that feed into different processes like a computer does, but this idea took on a life of its own and created a harmful myth that many seem to believe. This causes people to assume that because both incorporate pathways, that we process information and perform tasks the same way. Our brains are human at the end of the day and can experience errors, small quirks, and can complete various tasks at the same time, like recognizing and identifying faces.

One of the biggest differences between the human brain and computers are emotions.

• computers don't have emotion and when they are working, they work in a designed and logical manner

• humans act on logic, emotions are the driving force

Another difference is that humans make more of those little mistakes that computers typically do not.

• the mind is so much more complex than a computer

• a different part of the brain is focusing on involuntary actions --> humans don't have to think about it because the brain does it involuntary.

• A computer has to be certianly prpgrammed to do the task you want to be done, while the brain doesn't

• People also have the ability to pay closer attention to detail and be able to make quick decisions while computers do not have the ability to do that.

Screentime does not Equal ADHD!

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is usually diagnosed during childhood. There is a myth that has circulated that states, “Screen Time causes ADHD!” This is not true, but the myth is centered around a grain of truth. Technology does change our brains! But, so does every other stimulus we encounter in everyday life. As you learn new things your brain changes. Since it is a developmental disorder it is believed that it doesn’t develop, rather it is recognized and diagnosed in a person’s early years before appearing in adulthood. Children with this disorder tend to struggle with overactivity, paying attention, and controlling impulsive behaviors. These executive function deficits are caused by biological and genetic factors, not the use of technology. This myth is harmful because it can lead people to believe that screen time is damaging our youth. It can also cause people to judge parents that allow their children to have access to more screen time.

The reality of ADHD and Screen Time is:

• Though ADHD is linked to higher levels of inactivity and poor nutrition, there is no strong evidence to support the conclusion that the correlation between ADHD and Screen Time equals causation

• Unlearning these habits and falsehoods (and educating others) is a way we as a community can fight against misinformation and continue to myth bust

• Some might find it difficult to focus with the use of technology; but many people view it as a tool

• A diagnosis of ADHD cannot be blamed on sugar intake, bad parenting, school, or watching TV.

The statement is that, "There are no positive benefits from playing video games, other than the fact that they are fun". This is a myth. Of course, we know that not all video games have positive effects, but some do.

Many video games do promote healthy brain stimulation.

• learning through teaching problem solving and decision making skills

• improve information processing

• hand eye coordination

• attention

• logic

• multiplayers games provide virtual social interaction