Applied Psychology: Screen Technology and Cognitive Outcomes

This essay examines the multifaceted impact of screen technology on cognitive development, particularly focusing on the role of brain plasticity. It explores how technologies like computers, smartphones, and video games influence cognitive abilities, highlighting both positive effects, such as enhanced multitasking and cognitive skills through video games, and negative impacts, especially on adolescents. The essay references key studies and scholars like Anguera et al., Edwards et al., and Abbott to support its arguments. It discusses how screen technology can improve cognitive control and foster positive cognitive development while also acknowledging that excessive screen time can negatively affect cognitive function. The author argues that the key lies in customizing technology to meet individual needs, promoting physical, mental, and social cognitive development, and providing adequate control over the use of screen technologies. The essay concludes by emphasizing the need to balance the benefits and drawbacks of screen technology for optimal cognitive outcomes.

Running head: APPLIED PSYCHOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT
APPLIED PSYCHOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT
Name of the student
Name of the university
Author note

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APPLIED PSYCHOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT
INTRODUCTION
Opening statement:
The Screen Technology has helped in the proper development of the adults based on the effects of brain
plasticity. Screen technology such as computers, smartphones, and video games, however, has both
positively and negatively towards cognitive development.
Video games have helped in enhancing the cognitive abilities of the individuals. On the other hand,
there is a negative impact of the games on teens, which affect their developmental process more
dynamically. The different aspects of the cognitive developments are based on the brain plasticity and
the manner in which the games helps in maintaining the multi- tasking attributes that are developed
among the students. The applicability of the games depends on the identification of the needs of the
gamers and the manner in which it helps in the cognitive development of the individuals.
Anguera et al. (2013) stated that the identification of the cognitive needs of the students has helped in
the development of the different games that helps in maintaining the change in the systems. The
different positive effects of the video game training have helped in enhancing the cognitive abilities in
the adults.
Edwards et al. (2010) stated that the the multiplayer cooperative games have been found to contribute
immensely to bring in improvements in the socially beneficial thoughts and behaviors. It has helped in
maintaining a healthy outcome of the cognitive abilities and the proper synthesis of brain plasticity. The
development of the brain is based on the hurdles that the game offers to the players. It helps in bringing
forth changes in their mental structure and the perception of the same.
Abott (2013) stated that the games have helped in bringing in changes in the multitasking attributes of
the people. The positive effects of the growth of the cognitive abilities and the multitasking attributes of

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the people are reflected through the development of the different screen technologies that are used by
the developers.
Body: Position #1 statement (write a full topic sentence)
Application of the Screen technology helps in promoting proper cognitive control and positive
cognitive development in an individual.
Main scholars and ideas, in order Evidence (2-3 quotations/paraphrases with
citations)
Anguera et al. (2013) stated that the idea of brain
plasticity has been used to describe the ability of
an individual or animal brain to modify its
connections and re-wire itself.
Edwards et al. (2010) stated that the speed
processing of the training minimizes risk of
cognitive deficits related disorder like dementia.
it helps in bringing forth improvements in the
cognitive abilities of the individuals. On the
other hand, the different game plans is supported
by the need for cognitive development of the
individuals.
Abott (2013) stated that the multitasking
attributes of the individuals are backed by the
enhancement in the cognitive abilities of the
Anguera et al. (2013) stated that the custom-
designed video game helps in enhancing the skills
and the cognitive abilities of the individuals.
Screen technologies such as video games and
computers have been found to contribute positively
towards cognitive development and especially
among the teens. It is provided that the number of
teens using screen technology has increased to an
average of 10.75 hours in a day.
Edwards et al. (2010) stated that the screen
technology have corrected the view of most
psychologists who argued that video games great
impact is harmful and contributes to increased
depression, violence, and addiction. They provide
evidence that video games improve motivational,
social and cognitive skills as the nature of the

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individuals and the manner in which the dynamic
perceptions helps in maintaining the balance of
their actions.
games are designed in a manner that they change
regarding complexity, socially and also technically.
During the gaming sessions, the teens can interact
with their fellow teenagers and therefore increasing
socialization as well as interactions.
Abott (2013) stated that the knowledge of brain
plasticity and the cognitive event has been used to
develop an understanding that the capacity for
adaptation does not result from an early injury as
social psychologist argue but instead reflects on
standard development processes which are both
dynamic and adaptive.
The use of computer search engines has contributed to enhanced learning capabilities and therefore
growing cognitive development in learners even at early stages of development. However, there is less
scientific knowledge on how continued exposure to screen technologies can affect cognitive
development among the adult groups. There is also a need to understand that in the world of increasing
technological advancements it is impossible to separate the young generation from the impacts of
screen technologies and therefore primary focus should be on how to customize the technology to help
them achieve physical, mental and social cognitive development.
Body: Position #2 statement (write a full topic sentence)

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Screen technology is not effective in improving cognitive task when untrained task is delivered to
individuals.
Main scholars and ideas, in order Evidence (2-3 quotations/paraphrases with
citations)
Owen et al (2010) stated The concept of brain
plasticity helps in understanding the process of
brain structural development and its significance
in improving abstract reasoning in individuals as
well as higher-order cognitive skills.
Katnelson (2010) stated Overexposure to screen
technologies have from a young age, however,
has been found to contribute negatively to
development of executive skills` as well as the
ability to communicate and interact face to face.
This is because the time spent using these
technological devices limits the face to face
interaction.
Carr (2010) stated that Communicationis
facilitated through tech messages or even through
emails and therefore there is no opportunity to
develop the verbal skills. Research also provides
Owen et al. (2010) stated The debate on the
importance of screen technologies impact on
cognitive development also posits that computer
and video games contribute to higher cognitive
skill development in as children grow and as their
brain undergo structural development.
Katsnelson (2010) stated that despite having a
positive contribution towards the improvement of
learning and cognitive development, the
technologies have been criticized for reducing
cognitive development through over-reliance on
the internet search engines and surfing to get
answers.
Carr (2010) argued that such behavior has led to
increased reduction in thinking capabilities and
abilities to construct any useful conclusion under
review or study. This is because individuals have
developed a mentality that they can access any
information through the search engines using their
mobile or smartphones and even computers and

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that increased screen and media time by
individuals both young and the middle-aged
contributes to reduced feelings of social
acceptance and a have also been found to
increase the levels of loneliness.
therefore increase their chances of forgetting the
content.
The concept of brain plasticity helps in understanding the process of brain structural development and
its significance in improving abstract reasoning in individuals as well as higher-order cognitive skills.
The debate on the importance of screen technologies impact on cognitive development also posits that
computer and video games contribute to higher cognitive skill development in as children grow and as
their brain undergo structural development.
Body: Evaluation: The order of the two
parts of the evaluation may be swapped,
but both should be present.
Evidence (optional:
quotations/paraphrases, citations)
The procedure of the debate is based on less
scientific knowledge on how continued exposure
to screen technologies can affect cognitive
development among the adult groups. There is
also a need to understand that in the world of
increasing technological advancements, it is
impossible to separate the young generation from
the impacts of screen technologies and therefore
primary focus should be on how to customize the
technology to help them achieve physical, mental
Owen et al (2010) stated that the development of
brain structure starts even before birth; however,
its continued growth is dependent on development
plasticity process. The development of the brain is
dependent on the cognitive abilities, which is
facilitated by the proper utilization of the screen
technology.

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and social cognitive development.
The best position in the debate is based on the identification of the different attributes of the inclusion
of the screen technology and the manner in which it helps in bringing improvements in the cognitive
abilities of the individuals.
Conclusion (do not include any evidence or citations)
Video games, as well as interactive computer activities, have a positive contribution to the development
of cognitive skills. However, it is important also to note that, without adequate control to the usage of
screen technologies, they could contribute negatively to cognitive development.
Therefore, screen technology can be instrumental in improving individual cognitive event especially if
the techniques are customized to meet particular individual needs.