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Spontaneous forms of thought such as mind-wandering foster creativity and exploration. But digital technologies may be crowding out spontaneity: In the past, during idle times such as waiting for a bus, our minds were more accustomed to wandering. Now we are stuck on our phones. How can we make room for spontaneity in a digital world?

Zac Irving is an Associate Professor at the University of Virginia's Corcoran Department of Philosophy, where he works in the philosophy of cognitive science. He is also a member of the Contemplative Science Center's Faculty Research Council.

About Salon

Salon is a monthly open dialogue on cutting-edge research related to contemplation and flourishing with UVA and local community members in the Contemplative Commons, hosted by the Contemplative Sciences Center's CIRCL: Contemplative Innovation + Research Co-Lab. Centered on a single word, these gatherings bring together scholars, scientists, and practitioners from diverse perspectives to exchange ideas, generate knowledge, and seek solutions to global challenges. CSC Research home.