Ever wonder why the socially inept, self-isolators of society are usually tech-geeks and nerds, so obsessed with their gadgets and technology that they become incapable of functioning normally in social groups? Or more simply said, why is it that it’s the kids who spend all their time in front of a computer screen or their favourite online RPG who tend to be the ones without friends; the ones who can’t seem to keep up conversation with others or express themselves with outward gestures and varied facial expressions. Well, the authors of iBrain: Surviving the Technological Alteration of the Modern Mind, Gary Small and wife, Gigi Vorgan, suggest that spending too much time with technology can alter the physical make-up of your brain, thus changing the way you socially interact with others; or more plainly said, turning you into robot-nerds! Well, we all are already somewhat aware of that, but did you know that wasting too much time mashing buttons and furiously clicking away at blackberries can result in impaired ability to differentiate between facial expressions (happy or angry) or ability to recognize social cues? It’s true, although a wired lifestyle may be leading us toward more technological advances, it’s bringing us closer to an age when we will be the robots we once spent hours programming and wiring. [globeandmail.com]