On November 28, 2024, I attended the seminar “The Mind in the Digital Age: Bridging Psychology and Technology” held at the Gordon College Function Hall. Mr. Gabriel Puldo, a certified HR professional (aCPHR), served as our resource speaker. The seminar’s primary objective was to explore how digital tools and technology impact our cognitive processes, emotional responses, and behavioral patterns in our increasingly connected society.
The seminar featured a highly interactive format, with Mr. Puldo actively encouraging participants to share their personal experiences with digital technologies. This engagement strategy enhanced relatability and helped attendees connect theoretical concepts to their everyday digital interactions. Following the main presentation, a Q&A session provided opportunities for deeper exploration of specific topics, and certificates were distributed to acknowledge participant attendance.
As a member of the organizing team, my responsibilities included managing the registration process, handling evaluation forms, and documenting the event through photography. These tasks contributed to the smooth operation of the seminar and created valuable records of participant feedback and engagement throughout the event.
The seminar offered significant insights into the complex relationship between technology usage and psychological wellbeing. Mr. Puldo emphasized that while digital tools provide numerous advantages for productivity and social connection, they can simultaneously contribute to increased stress levels, attention fragmentation, and eventual burnout when used without appropriate boundaries. This balanced perspective highlighted the importance of mindful technology engagement for maintaining optimal mental health.
I gained a deeper appreciation for the role of self-awareness in digital habits. The speaker stressed the value of regular reflection practices, such as monitoring screen time or observing emotional responses to social media interaction. These straightforward reflective techniques can foster healthier technology usage patterns and improved digital wellness over time.
The presentation effectively illustrated that technology extends beyond mere convenience tools to become significant factors influencing our psychological functioning. Mr. Puldo explained how digital environments shape our attention capacity, social interaction patterns, and even our sense of self-worth. This comprehensive perspective reinforced the importance of making deliberate choices regarding technology usage to protect and support mental wellbeing.
Based on the seminar content, I plan to implement specific screen time boundaries in my daily routine. These include scheduling regular 10-minute breaks during extended computer work, utilizing “Do Not Disturb” features during focused work periods, and establishing designated tech-free zones or times at home. These modest adjustments should help mitigate digital fatigue and enhance concentration abilities.
I intend to share these digital wellness concepts with my peer network and colleagues. For instance, I could propose a “digital detox” challenge for my study group or initiate discussions about healthy technology practices during team meetings. By normalizing conversations about digital stress, we can foster supportive environments that acknowledge the challenges associated with constant connectivity.
Another practical application involves improving my digital communication practices. I will be more intentional about my expression in online spaces, employing clear language, demonstrating empathy, and considering message reception. I’ll also prioritize face-to-face conversations for important discussions rather than defaulting to text-based communication, which can sometimes lead to misinterpretations.
The seminar organization deserves recognition for excellent time management and seamless program flow. Each segment adhered to the planned schedule, providing appropriate time allocations for the presentation, interactive components, and Q&A session. The venue preparation was thorough, with suitable seating arrangements, effective lighting, and a reliable sound system that ensured comfortable participation for all attendees.
Mr. Puldo’s presentation approach significantly contributed to the event’s effectiveness. He employed accessible language and relatable examples that made complex psychological concepts understandable for a diverse audience. His approachable demeanor created an environment where participants felt comfortable sharing personal experiences and asking questions about technology usage.
As an organizing team member, I observed exceptional collaboration among all staff. Each individual clearly understood their responsibilities and executed them efficiently. The registration process proceeded smoothly, evaluation forms yielded valuable feedback, and photographic documentation captured significant moments of engagement and learning. These organizational elements collectively created a professional and valuable experience for all participants.
For future seminars, we should provide attendees with preliminary reading materials or a concise overview of key concepts at least three days before the event. This would allow participants time for reflection on the topic and preparation of thoughtful questions or examples, potentially enriching the in-session discussions.
Incorporating additional structured group activities would enhance the learning experience. For example, brief breakout sessions where small groups could discuss specific scenarios or address relevant challenges would enable deeper application of concepts. These activities could be limited to 10-15 minutes to maintain program flow while encouraging active participation.
Developing a follow-up component would extend the seminar’s impact beyond the event itself. This could include distributing a summary of key points, suggesting additional resources for continued learning, or proposing simple challenge activities for the following week. A brief follow-up survey after two weeks could help measure participants’ success in applying the concepts in their daily lives, providing valuable data for future program improvements.