Your brains on technology: Myths and realities

Daphne BavelierUniv. of Rochester

Director, Brain and Vision LabAssociate Director, Rochester Center for Brain Imaging

From Larry Rosen

Effect of technology on the brain and thus drivers

Technology use is ubiquitous in our society

Not all media are created equalGeneral wisdom carries no weight

Action video game play Enhanced attentional resources Better at focusing on task at hand and ignoring

distraction

Heavy Media Multi Tasking Diminished attentional control Cannot efficiently suppress distracting information

What does it means for driving and safety? Is focus the real issue?

The two extremes of the driver population in terms of attention and distraction

Individuals with superb attentional skills

Individuals that are very easily distracted

Safety Challenge: Take into account individual variability in safety design