How Do We Fix It?

We love our smartphones, tablets, and laptops. But what is the explosion in mobile technology doing to our brains? Our guest, Professor Abigail Baird,is a developmental psychologist,expert on the teenage brain and mother of two young children. She says technology has great benefits, but also could have a negative impact on our conversations, memory and social life. The brain's craving for novelty - for constant stimulation and instant gratification - makes our tech toys seem irresistible. So how do we put balance in our lives? Abigail's fixes include time-out zones and no-screen places and events. Parents, she says, "should consider what is best for their families. For instance, I love the idea of 'no phone in the car.'" Another tip for parents is to beware of tethering - when college students sometimes call home at least several times a day. "Hard as it is for parents, once kids head off to college, they really need to rely on their interpersonal networks at school, not calling home." Another...