Future Minds- Richard Watson

I have just finished reading this fascinating book which hypothesises about the effects the digital era will have on the evolution of our minds and thinking.

Amongst many of the highly insightful observations, is one that particularly strikes a chord thinkers in the strategic and creative space.

Mr Watson presents the dangers of the constant and eroding effects ‘digital disruption’ on our thought patterns and ability for deeper, more meaningful and creative thinking.

It won’t be news to you that we are constantly interrupted by a barrage of text messages, e-mail beeps, phone calls etc- meaning that we do not have room for contemplation or proper deep thoughts.

Watson talks about the early effects of this on kids (kids up to the age of 5 spending up to 8 hours a day in front of screens) who then grow into ‘Screenagers’- characterised by shallow multitasking activities, parallel processing and most worryingly, poor cognitive function (who needs to remember it when you can ‘Google it’??)

These Screenagers are the ‘Reset Generation’- any problems and they can reboot- which Watson  suggests, means that they are less likely to think through the outcomes and consequences of their actions.

Watson explains that one of the key traits of highly creative minds is the ability to combine unrelated elements to create new concepts, a key driver of this being multiple, varied and rich experiences. If we only live in the digital dimension, we cut of the true multi sensorial and inspiring world the fuels great thinking.

A thoroughly great read and I turned both my Mac and phone off to read it properly- which was a first and really tried to analyse the quality of my thinking .

I have also learned my husbands mobile number off by heart finally and not relied on my iPhone’s contacts database!

Enjoy the book- and get thinking!

We would love to know what you think about the book or any related issues .

Lisa McWilliam Herbert

Future Minds

Nicholas Brealey Publishing