Envision a World Unplugged: The Impact of the Internet on Our Lives

Take a moment to imagine a life without the internet. Some of us still remember a time when not everything was connected, when smartphones were just products of our imagination. However, the idea of living without immediate access to maps, search engines and vast networks of information now seems completely foreign. But here's the conundrum:

How does our growing reliance on the online world affect us? Our relationships, our sources of information, and even the way we interact with each other are undergoing rapid transformation. In the digital age, when more and more devices are dependent on the internet, it is not surprising that global accessibility is steadily increasing. In 2016, no less than 3.5 billion people worldwide accessed online services. China leads the way with 721 million users, followed by India and the United States with 290 million users each. English has become the most used language online, followed by Chinese and Spanish.

Internet addiction varies from generation to generation, largely depending on those who have to adapt to this new technology and those who grew up with this accessible tool. Generation X, born between the mid-1960s and the early 1980s, use the mobile Internet for an average of 110 minutes a day. Meanwhile, Millennials, who are adults in the Internet age, spend an average of 185 minutes a day immersed in the digital realm. Messaging and social networking apps have become integral to our daily lives, with more than a billion people regularly using platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter. As Internet use increases, traditional forms of communication such as phone calls and text messages are dwindling, and the rise of online services and shopping is reshaping our cities. ta.

But how is our brain functioning amid this digital revolution? With so much information at our fingertips, the ubiquity of the internet is undeniably reshaping the way we think. Millennials in particular are more forgetful than previous generations, a consequence of the constant distraction caused by connection. Memory is based on repetition and contemplation of information in our short-term memory, which reinforces the transfer of information to long-term memory. However, the constant flow of new information impedes this process, resulting in less permanent knowledge retention. Additionally, knowing that information is available online reduces the need to form personal memories of it. For example, directions that were once memorized from maps are now replaced by reliance on GPS applications.

Moreover, we find ourselves more and more addicted to our smartphones. By constantly checking messages and updates, we get into the habit of distraction. Our brains have trouble switching to deeper thought patterns, which makes it difficult when the need arises. Research shows that the constant flow of information has led to a loss of cognitive control, hindering our ability to not only control our thoughts but also determine what is truly worth our attention. We become more interested in novelty than what matters.

Despite these cognitive changes, it's important to note that the impact of technology on our brains is not negative. Throughout history, inventions have allowed us to divert our attention from one task, freeing up time for other endeavors. For example, washing machines have significantly reduced the time to do laundry, giving us more hours in the day to do work or other activities. Likewise, the Internet's ability to facilitate communication and to quickly access information gives us more mental capacity for other processes.

Still, reducing screen time helps keep our brains active and adaptive. It's important to pay attention to how much time you spend distracting yourself each day. Tracking your usage and regularly unplugging will help you maintain mental alertness. My advice, therefore, is to take a moment to assess how much time you spend online, unplug from time to time, reconnect with the physical world, and enjoy a moment of unplugged serenity. That's it.

Imagine what life would be like without the Internet, where constant connectivity would not have a huge impact on our interaction, information consumption, and brain function. It's a reflection that makes you think.