Raichle’s Brain Networks: Action vs. Default
Neuroscientist Marcus Raichle, along with colleagues Nico Dosenbach and Evan Gordon, helped map two distinct brain systems—each anchored in different brain regions and tuned to different mental modes. The action-mode network (AMN) lights up during goal-oriented tasks: focused attention, quick decisions, external demands. The default mode network (DMN), on the other hand, activates when we turn inward—reflecting, daydreaming, processing emotions (Raichle, Dosenbach & Gordon, 2025).
These aren’t just shifts in mindset—they’re shifts in circuitry. Depending on the task, different regions take the lead. Just like the autonomic nervous system toggles between ‘strive and survive’ and ‘rest and digest’, the brain toggles between acting and reflecting. Online, we often operate in action mode. But if we want deeper dialogue, we need to make room for reflection.
Does Asynchronous Help? Not Always
In theory, asynchronous platforms—forums, email threads, anything with a delay—should nudge us into reflection. More space, more time, more default mode. And research backs that up: slower pace can sharpen responses (Hew & Cheung, 2012).
But in practice, online responses don’t work this way. Platforms like X (formerly Twitter) still feel like a bar fight: clout’s on the line, notifications buzz, and everyone’s swinging for attention. The setup says “pause and reflect,” but the energy screams “fire now or be forgotten.” The result? Action-mode dominates. Thoughtfulness gets drowned in the scroll.
Thoughtful discourse starts in the space between reaction and reflection.
Video: Just Enough Friction?
But what if replies weren’t instant text, but short videos instead? Even 30 seconds adds friction—you have to think, record, maybe not look like you just woke up. That small barrier could slow us down, just enough to flip the switch from strive and survive to rest and digest. Yes, some people might ghost rather than face the lens. But TikTok and Reels show that millions already talk to their cameras like it’s second nature. Video might shrink the volume of replies—but increase their weight. Not every take will go viral. But the ones that land? They might actually say something worth hearing.
Afternote
With gratitude and love to my mother, Prof. Ellen Spolsky, for the inspiration, references, and lifelong reminders that thoughtful discourse starts in the spaces between reaction and reflection.