How The Internet is CHANGING Your Brain

Imagine a world where the internet doesn't exist. Some of us remember a time before everything was connected, but now the idea of living without smartphones, instant access to maps, and search engines seems completely foreign. However, our growing dependence on the online world is affecting our relationships, the way we gather information, and how we interact with each other. It's even causing noticeable changes in our brains. As more devices rely on the internet, it's no surprise that access worldwide continues to increase. In 2016, approximately 3.5 billion people across the globe had access to online services, with China leading the way in terms of users, followed by India and the US. English is the most widely used language online, followed by Chinese and Spanish. Generational differences play a role in how much we rely on the internet, depending on whether we had to adapt to the new technology or grew up with it readily available.

Different generations have different patterns of internet usage. Generation X, born between the mid-1960s and early 1980s, spends an average of 110 minutes per day on mobile internet. Millennials, born from the early 1980s onwards and who have grown up with the internet, spend an average of 185 minutes per day. Social media and messaging apps have become vital for our daily lives, with over a billion people regularly using platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter. As internet services become more prevalent, our behaviors change accordingly. Communication through these platforms is more common, leading to a decline in phone calls and text messages. The rise of online shopping and services has also resulted in a significant decrease in the use of traditional physical stores. Consequently, our towns and cities look quite different from a few decades ago, all due to the availability of online options.

The impact of the internet on our brains is remarkable. With a vast amount of information accessible instantly, the internet is changing the way we work and think. Millennials, in particular, are found to be more forgetful compared to previous generations, which is believed to be a direct consequence of the constant distractions brought by connectivity. Memory relies on repeated exposure to information, allowing it to move from short-term memory to long-term memory. However, the constant influx of new information hinders this process, resulting in less permanent storage. Moreover, knowing that information is readily available online decreases our motivation to memorize it. Our addiction to smartphones and constant checking for messages and updates makes us increasingly accustomed to being distracted. This constant state of distraction makes it more difficult for our brains to transition into deeper modes of thinking when necessary. Research also indicates that the constant stream of information has led to a loss of cognitive control. This means our ability to control our thoughts and focus on what truly matters is diminishing. We have become more interested in new information rather than prioritizing what is genuinely important.

While the internet's impact on our brains is not inherently negative, reducing the time spent on screens can help keep our minds active and adaptable. It's important to be mindful of the amount of time we dedicate to distractions and occasionally unplug from technology. Throughout history, inventions have allowed us to spend less time on specific tasks, enabling us to allocate that time elsewhere. Similarly, the internet's ability to facilitate quick communication and access to information grants us extra mental capacity for other activities. Nevertheless, maintaining a healthy balance and being aware of our reliance on technology is crucial.