Neurological research by the Brain and Creativity Institute at USC College recently found that fast-paced digital media may actually confuse a person’s moral compass. See “Nobler Instincts Take Time”.

According to the study, “Emotions linked to our moral sense awaken slowly in the mind.” Admiration for virtue or skill and compassion for another person’s physical or social pain were cited as specific examples of emotions that the brain needs more time to process than other kinds of information.

What are the implications of this study on children? Given their widespread use of digital media tools that encourage high speed communication, snippets and sound bites, fast reactions, and multi-tasking, are we inadvertently leading their young, developing minds into moral attention-deficit-disorder?