HOW THE INTERNET AFFECTS OUR BRAIN

HOW THE INTERNET AFFECTS OUR BRAIN

The prevalence of the Internet is changing how our brains work. The basic principle behind memory is that the more a piece of information is repeated and thought about in your short-term memory the stronger its stored within your long-term memory, but this process is hindered by constant new information. This means that we are less likely to form a memory of it, and previous generations would have memorized directions on a map for example. Our brains are also being less used to transitioning into deeper modes of thinking, which makes it more difficult to do this when we need to. However, research has shown that the constant flow of information has meant that we are losing cognitive control and our ability to determine what's important to focus on. We are increasingly more concerned with information that's new, rather than what's actually important. So what can be done? Although technology is clearly affecting how our brains work, it's not necessarily a bad thing. Throughout history, invention has always led to improvements in our society; for example, GPS apps have made navigation easier for us. Overall, technology should be seen as a positive force in our lives, as it has helped us become more educated and connected with others throughout the world.

The internet has revolutionized the ways in which we communicate, gather information, make purchases, and consume entertainment. Nearly everything we could ever want — whether it be an out-of-print book or a babysitter for tomorrow evening — is available with the click of a button.

The constant accessibility and seemingly infinite nature of the internet has impacted humanity on a global scale. Perhaps just as importantly, however, are the changes on a more micro-scale — in other words, how the internet rewires our brain.Internet searching engages complicated brain activity, which may help exercise and improve brain function.” Furthermore, Small says, “A simple, everyday task like searching the web appears to enhance brain circuitry in older adults, demonstrating that our brains are sensitive and can continue to learn as we grow older.”

It’s an unequivocal fact that the internet is often an invaluable resource for research and beyond. However, we must take conscientious measures to avoid becoming reliant on it if we hope to preserve some of our most advanced cognitive functioning. Additionally, the online world now presents us with a uniquely large and constantly-accessible resource for facts and information, which is never more than a few taps and swipes away.

"Given we now have most of the world's factual information literally at our fingertips, this appears to have the potential to begin changing the ways in which we store, and even value, facts and knowledge in society, and in the brain."

The recent introduction and widespread adoption of these online technologies, along with social media, is also of concern to some teachers and parents. The World Health Organization's 2018 guidelines recommended that young children (aged 2-5) should be exposed to one hour per day, or less, of screen time. However, the report also found that the vast majority of research examining the effects of the Internet on the brain has been conducted in adults -- and so more research is needed to determine the benefits and drawbacks of Internet use in young people.

Some of these brain changes are beneficial, while others seem to cause detriment. One of the most important ways in which the internet may have harmful consequences is in reducing the abilities of our short-term memories. Some deem this phenomenon the “Google effect”: research shows that if we expect the search engine to be available to us later on, we’re less likely to remember information now.

Furthermore as Academic Earth reports, “neuroimaging of frequent internet users shows twice as much activity in the short term memory as sporadic users during online tasks. Basically, our brain is learning to disregard information found online, and this connection becomes stronger every time we experience it.”