What happens when your brain is on autopilot?
Often, those everyday routines are things we can do almost automatically, with minimal cognitive effort.
People often refer to this as being “zoned out” or on “autopilot.”
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This ability to do something without really thinking is an example of a phenomenon thatpsychologistscallautomaticity.
Automaticity Definition and Examples
Wedevelop habitsto deal with complex tasks in different areas of our everyday lives.
As a result, we will go on “autopilot” and do those things without really thinking.
Automaticity is the ability to act without really thinking, which happens when a behavior becomes over-learned.
Driving and walking are examples of actions that become automatic.
The behavior is so over-learned and over-practiced that it is simply second nature.
Benefits of Automaticity
This autopilot thinking can be beneficial.
For example, it frees up our attentional resources so we don’t becomeoverwhelmedby even the simplest of tasks.
Thanks tolearning, practice, and repetition, repeated behaviors can become automatic.
Comfort in Different Environments
Automaticity also allows people to feel comfortable and familiar with different environments.
Through our experiences, we learn what is common and expected in a variety of similar yet different situations.
“It’s this familiarity that can support comfort and confidence.
Risks of Automaticity
While automaticity has its benefits, it can also have its downsides.
It introduces an element of danger and makes people prone to mistakes.
One way to stay engaged is by introducing novelty and varying routines.
Shifting attention between tasks breaks up the repetition and helps draw workers out of autopilot mode.
However, researchers have found that such procedures are not always fail-safe.
Workers read checklist items aloud, visually check each item, and then physically touch each control or sensor.
This practice in awareness and mindfulness comes with its ownmental and physical health benefits.
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