Here’s something that will catch you off guard. Doodling doesn’t mean you aren’t paying attention! Some studies have shown it is actually a good thing to do. That is exactly the opposite of what I’ve been taught and what teachers have said to me when they’ve scolded me for doodling in class. In a recent article I read on CBS News, I learned some interesting theories about doodles and some evidence to go along with it.
Many psychologists are starting to believe that doodling actually engages the brain. Many people who doodle claim to have improved problem solving skills because of it. Visual techniques seem to help explain ideas or plans to people struggling to see what you see.
One piece of evidence in the fight to encourage doodles is from a study in 2009. Two groups of people were played a long voicemail. The first group just listened to the voicemail, and nothing else. The second group were instructed to doodle during the voicemail. After the voicemail was played, The group that doodled remembered 29% more details than the group who only listened. Doodling seemed to IMPROVE memory in this case.
Some psychologists believe that doodling is not the distraction itself, it is instead a way we protect ourselves FROM distraction. It acts like a barrier so that distractions can’t get through to our heads
Jesse Prinz, a professor teaching philosophy of the mind at the City University of New York, has this to say about doodling.
"Think about mindless drawing as a way to take all those things that distract you, all those subjects that you ruminate on, and clearing them away, and opening this space where information can get in. Doodling is the attentional sweet spot."
He says when we doodle, we are open to learning. If you think about it, it makes a lot of sense. When we doodle we aren’t taking in distracting information like we would if an iPad was put in front of us. The only information you receive is the information being shared by others around you.
Then again, we could benefit greatly from NOT doodling. Who knows?
Think you know? Comment below to weigh in.
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