Receptive versus interactive video screens: A role for the brain's default mode network in learning from media

The default mode network (DMN) supports sustained attention and comprehension of narrative receptive media like television. DMN activation enhances learning of temporal and spatial context, characteristic of receptive media. Interactive screen media, which require overt responses, deactivate the DMN as other networks activate. Overt responding demands highly focused attention and enhances stimulus-response-goal associative learning at the expense of learning about temporal and spatial context. Thus, receptive and interactive screen media enhance different types of comprehension and learning.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Recent neuroscience research has revealed the presence of multiple brain networks underlying functional human psychology. One of these, the default mode network (DMN), has been shown to underlie sustained attention to and comprehension of narrative receptive media such as television. We argue that DMN activation enhances learning of temporal and spatial context and that this type of learning is characteristic of receptive media. We hypothesize that response demands during interactive screen media use deactivates the DMN as other brain networks are activated. We suggest that overt responding to interactive demands requires highly focused attention and enhances stimulus-response-goal associative learning at the expense of learning about temporal and spatial context. Receptive and interactive screen media, therefore, enhance different types of comprehension and learning.