What we keep track of can change our brains, and recent studies imply it isn’t necessarily beneficial.
Today, it’s pretty common to feel like you’re under constant scrutiny. You know, with security cameras, doorbell cams, data being shared with third parties, and the expectation to constantly update social media, it can feel overwhelming.
This sensation of being observed seems to impact how our brains process things unconsciously. New findings shed light on the mental health implications of living under this kind of watchful eye.
For a while now, psychologists have examined how people act when they know they’re being monitored, and earlier studies suggested that surveillance might encourage more responsible behavior.
But fresh research shows that constant monitoring can lead to negative side effects, particularly impacting memory and cognitive functions.
Studies reveal that being watched can mess with unconscious processes, making participants respond more quickly while under observation. That sounds like a good thing, right? But experts warn this keeps the brain in a heightened state of alert.
This could be especially harmful to those with existing mental health issues, like schizophrenia or social anxiety, which can make individuals more sensitive to being observed.
Researchers caution that the stress from ongoing surveillance might also hinder employers’ abilities to thoughtfully implement monitoring strategies in the workplace.
