How the internet affect our mind

Introduction:

Do you remember when people used to say that playing video games could damage our brains? It turns out they might have been wrong. Video games might not harm our brains, and sometimes they can even be helpful. But, if your parents said video games could "warp" your brain, they might have been onto something. Scientists have discovered that our brains can change based on what we do and experience. This includes things as simple as looking at a clock or as complex as playing video games. It also includes using the internet. In this discussion, we'll explore how the internet, a big part of our lives, can quietly change the way our brains work, sometimes not in good ways.

Understanding Neuroplasticity:

Our brains can adapt to different tasks and activities. This ability is called Neuroplasticity. It means our brains can physically change based on what we do and what we're exposed to. Whether it's using a tool like a writing ball or doing mental activities like playing video games, these actions can make our brains change. This adaptability also applies to how we think about time, learn, and engage with the world.

The Internet's Impact on Our Thinking: I realized that my daily use of the internet was affecting how I think. I used to be able to focus on reading a book for a long time, but now it's much harder. I catch myself daydreaming or getting distracted easily. Boredom used to be something I experienced a lot, but now it hardly happens. The internet, like clocks and other technologies, subtly changes how our brains are structured, and it's not always for the better.

Changing Our Brain's Wiring:

Think of neuroplasticity like taping over an old VHS tape. If we stop using certain mental skills, our brains don't forget them. Instead, the brain uses that space for skills we use more often. This shift is happening from deep book reading to endless scrolling on the internet. The constant distractions and rewards on the internet change how well we can focus.

The Internet's Confusing Effects:

Using the internet has many confusing effects, but one is particularly important. The internet grabs our attention only to scatter it. Its design encourages being distracted and doing many things at once. We're always surrounded by devices connected to the internet, and this constant stimulation changes our brains, making us more easily distracted.

Strategies for Better Attention:

To counter the negative effects of internet use, we can make some changes. These include:

Reading More Books: Focus on reading for a long time.

Working Without the Internet: Find information from sources other than the internet.

Having In-Person Conversations: Talk to friends without using phones.

Watching More Movies: Pay attention to one thing for a couple of hours.

Spending Longer Time on Single Tasks: Practice concentrating on one thing for a longer time.

Making Things Easier: To make these changes easier, we can also adjust our surroundings:

Watching Videos in Full Screen: Remove distracting elements on the screen.

Reading Articles in Reader Mode: Focus only on the content, ignoring other distractions.

Limiting Time on Distraction-Heavy Websites: Set specific times for internet use.

Using Tools to Make Social Media Less Distracting: Remove distractions on social media.

Hiding Visual Clutter on the Desktop: Minimize unnecessary things on the computer screen for better focus.

Conclusion:

While the internet is a big part of our lives, we can actively manage how it affects our brains. By adopting positive habits and making small changes to our environment, we can use the internet more mindfully, balancing its benefits with the well-being of our minds.