Richard Cytowic, a renowned neurologist and author known for exploring synesthesia, delves into our brain's struggle with modern technology. He discusses how our Stone Age instincts clash with today's smartphone addiction, emphasizing the impact on attention spans and social interactions. Cytowic unveils the allure of endless scrolling on social media and its psychological effects, while advocating for balance and boundaries in our tech-driven lives. He shares insights on reconnecting with nature to foster mental clarity and creativity.

Synesthesia is a neurological condition where one sensory experience gets combined with another, meaning someone might hear sounds when they eat, or see colors when they listen to music. So what exactly is synesthesia? And what’s it like to go through life with these unique sensory connections? Featuring the voices of neuroscientist Dr. Richard Cytowic and five people with synesthesia.Follow Dallas on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.Watch our video shorts on YouTube, and join the discussion on Reddit and Facebook.Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate.If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org.To get your 20K referral link and earn rewards, visit 20k.org/refer.Get your first month of hair loss treatment for free at keeps.com/20k.Check out Dr. Richard Cytowic’s work at cytowic.net.Check out Joel Salinas's book Mirror Touch: A Memoir of Synesthesia and the Secret Life of the Brain.Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/synesthesia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Richard E. Cytowic, a neurology professor at George Washington University and author of "Your Stone Age Brain in the Screen Age," discusses how our Stone Age brains struggle to cope with modern technology. He highlights the negative impact of screen time on attention spans and social interactions, especially in children. Cytowic reveals how tech companies exploit psychological tactics to foster addiction, and stresses the importance of setting boundaries to regain mental health. Emphasizing silence's role in emotional intelligence, he calls for a return to deep, meaningful engagement.

Roland Allen, author of *The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper*, reveals how notebooks have transformed human thought and creativity, citing figures like Leonardo da Vinci. Meanwhile, Dr. Richard Cytowic, a neurology professor, discusses the cognitive overload caused by screens and the addictive nature of smartphones, urging listeners to be mindful of their digital habits. The conversation uncovers the therapeutic power of writing and the emotional ramifications of excessive screen time on relationships and youth development.

Richard Cytowic, a renowned neuroscientist and author, discusses the mismatch between our Stone Age brains and today's tech-driven world. He delves into the negative effects of screen time on our social interactions and child development, introducing the concept of virtual autism. Cytowic emphasizes the importance of face-to-face communication and suggests a 'sensory fast' to enhance focus and mental clarity. He warns against using screens as digital babysitters, advocating for more meaningful human connections to support healthy development.