Psyched-out

Computers are a very upfront, straight up and down subject but does not mean for one second that it will throw you out of the loop based on its logical approach. You might be looking at the screen for hours and realize that you’re not making any progress which is a very serious matter. If you are just starting to learn computers , or even have been studying computers for a while now, this information may be of some use to you. Hey, if you’re an expert and you scroll across this page, let me know if this advice would’ve helped you out in the beginning, thanks.

We’re going to scratch the surface of Computer Psychology in this article, a well-known, but not too often discussed subject that I think is not discussed enough because of the effects it has on you every time you log in and out of your favorite device, whether you believe it or not.

Let’s talk about processes. Our brain is a whole computer in itself, if you look up some of your specs on the net compared to regular computers you will be quite amazed. Everyone doesn’t think exactly the same though, using their computers; including their brain computers, in a different way, even if it is slightly, slightly in a world full of decimals and percentages can mean a huge difference, just ask a bitcoin trader. Let’s go a little deeper.

Every day you wake up, you have daily tasks that you have to complete along with other tasks you already have scheduled, possibly going to add and so on and so forth. These tasks may be simple things like going to the bathroom, fixing a bowl of cereal, walking your dog, waking your kids, the list goes on and on. All of this before you even check your device to see who won last night’s game, which just added another task. This is interesting because now your virtual reality and your actual reality have made direct contact with each other. Like with fingerprints, no two people have the same brain anatomy , a study by researchers of the University of Zurich has shown. This uniqueness is the result of a combination of genetic factors and individual life experiences.(University of Zurich,2018) Along with this uniqueness comes with your very own unique way of doing things. Computers are much more alike on the inside though, meaning you know what you are getting when you purchase one of them, but are still affected by your own unique way of doing things. Some people are more system based, others adapt better than others, and some have a memory of an elephant, not exactly but you get the picture. Throughout the years you’ve been using your computer , not knowing exactly whether or not you’ve been doing it correctly, even if you’ve been successful, getting the edge can be compared to that of professional sports.

So what do we do about it though? How can you help us? Almost there. Organization is an important part of any systematic way of thinking. It could be agendas, notifications, habits; which take 21 days to break and make f.y.i, that are the foundation of a well run system. So let’s talk about task-handling. In your daily life and in your virtual daily life. In order to be efficient , you have to minimize moments in time when you are doing nothing. Resting is not doing nothing. Neither is planning. Both can be though if you are abusing these ‘tasks’ or not taking full advantage, don't beat yourself up though people do it all the time, which could possibly be causing you, that’s right you more tasks. Think global warming, if you’ve been in school long enough , you ‘ve probably been lectured about how this topic can affect your future, and if not your future, then the next. Okay, so task minimization, we’re moving along here. When you log on to a computer and start using different apps and start surfing the web for whatever it is that interests you , a near identical image of what goes on in your brain spewed onto that screen packaged away into lists and folders. When it comes to doing your thing on a computer people are unique as well. Some people may have not ever even opened a command line or terminal; everything they do is based on the web. It’s super easy to get lost though, or even to over exert yourself. Even if you're not a pro, you’ve almost surely felt the side effects of using devices, which can make you very exhausted especially if you're not used to it. Back to these tasks though we’ll go more into side effects later. There are definitely some things you should look out for when you are using your device, Windows, Mac, phone or pc, it doesn't matter, these are things you’ll have to keep an eye out for when using devices that haven’t been made by you.

We have to make a quick pit stop here at Systematic Oppression, which is usually associated with racism amongst human beings and defined as racism that is institutionalized, embedded into your government's policies, educational institutions and health care systems almost without a trace. It is different from racism, which is much more bold. For example , if your father has ever been to prison, some states will make an extra cell just for you, just because your dad went. I do understand the logic though but does create oppression for those families who are being put into sticky situations based on where they were born before they find out what their ethnicity is. Or saying that because you're colored you're gonna have trouble getting a degree in computer science. I'm certainly not saying that you aren't because you are colored but because colored people have been more poverty stricken in more recent history. Is ‘white privilege’ real? Well, privilege is definitely real, and no matter where you are in the world you’ve experienced it.

THIS IS NOT the type of systematic oppression that I’m referring to though specifically when I'm talking about the psychology of computers and the effects they have on your daily life. Each application on your device has a different process within itself. Different operating systems means different processes as well. Tech companies are not out to oppress you on purpose, but the misuse of your device can push you in the wrong direction, mentally. How so? Different applications are advertised in various virtual stores across the net , some you have to pay for their services, others you don’t, neither guarantees that the app itself will work , when you want it , how you want it, or not even exactly how it is advertised. As of right now there is no way to measure app activity, only for how long you use an app, or how much power it’s taking up. Technically you could create your own app that tracks app performance , most apps don’t work together and privacy issues will stop you from accessing most apps anyway. So right now the only way is trial and error, and having to pay attention to whether or not the app that you're using is functioning correctly while you're using it. So it’s definitely okay to try new apps, just like it is to try new things in your actual life, but to know when to call it quits when the app is not working properly, taking too long to switch between features within the app, or just having trouble loading at all. Then it’s time to delete , then if your feeling nice, leave a review , good or bad, developers can use your information to improve for the future, so even if there's an app that you really like that you've been trying to keep on your phone because you love the idea (I do this often). Maybe in the future you can reunite with the app to see if the features are functioning correctly the next time. I know personally that this has happened just not for every app though. Also remember that trying to make an application as a client can cost as much energy as it does as trying to make something work in your real life, for example, putting together a playground that’s missing pieces or parts that were made incorrectly, so just be aware.

Let’s talk about bit manipulation. Earlier we discussed surfing the web and the different types of tasks that your mind reveals to you while you're scrolling or going about your day. We’re going to call these ‘scroll bits’ and ‘daily bits’ respectively, for now. I’m probably going to get something to eat here in a little bit because I'm getting hungry, task added successfully. As much as you can , you want to get the important ‘bits’ that your brain reveals to you throughout your day. The brain generates anywhere from 6,000 to 60,000 thoughts per day so if you can take 5 min to sit down and gather your thoughts; meditate, then you may capture some of the good ones or ones that you really need. You can use a journal, your pc, your phone , sticky notes . The important part of capturing these bits is that you’re actually applying them. When I first started to identify my own ’bits’ , too many times in the beginning I found myself just writing them down and not taking any action at all. Eventually you’ll run back into these ‘bits’ and have to decide which ones to keep , let go , and apply.

Using the computer can make you very tired, especially when you are zeroed in on a task , or trying to get something done at the last minute. You're pushing all this energy into a very small window of time causing you to lose energy at a faster rate. Repeating this behavior over a long period of time can cause you to be exhausted later on down the line so it’s always important to use your time wisely, not going 100% all the time just like you would do with any other subject which would cause fatigue. Pay attention to the times and location where you are getting more things done. Right now I'm at the library, where I always perform really well at whatever I planned to complete, whether it is on my pc or the libraries. I planned to get here at 10, didn't get here until one o'clock this afternoon, but still was able to finish this article as planned. This is not to say that if you like working in your room on your laptop , that you can’t be productive, I know many people that are. You can confuse your brain though by putting it in situations where you would normally relax or get ready to sleep. It's okay to relax, but what type of relaxing are you getting ready to do? As much as you can you want to separate times where you are just scrolling through social media or surfing the web from actually completing tasks. This will increase productivity and efficiency. If you like to workout or are currently setting the gym as a priority , I have found that getting things done on your device around these times will also increase productivity as well, it may hinder your gym performance though, your choice. For example , if you are used to going to the gym on Mondays at two o'clock pm, and decide to take a day off, using your device at this time can be productive. The time it takes for you to lose focus at gym though may take a couple of weeks though depending on the person.

Well, that’s it for now, I think we’ve scratched the surface as planned for some important topics in Computer Psychology, remember to pay attention to your apps behaviors, they’re all running on systems within systems that can throw in a infinite loop; no one knows everything and even the best teams make mistakes, grab that idea while you can, because once it’s gone it may be gone forever or for a very long time at least, and treat yourself, don’t cheat yourself, be able to identify when you need to take a break , to take one, then get back to what you were doing.(Quick tip: A 20 min nap can give you 3 hours of energy!!)

Let me know if this article has helped you , or not , a simple thumbs up or thumbs down will do if you're shy. If you feel like this was a waste of your time , please do tell as well, thanks again!