There’s absolutely no doubt that the Internet is the single most important innovation of the past century. The Web has changed the way he we live, work, access information, shop, and stay connected with friends and family. But is it possible that the Internet is an evolutionary shift among humans, and is in fact altering the neural pathways in our brains to work in a new, more tech-friendly, manner?
UCLA neuroscientists and researchers have studied the effects of Internet use on human brain functioning and discovered that frequent e-mailing, text messaging and using Internet search engines promotes greater information filtering and decision-making, suggesting that using the Internet regularly actually affect the development of our brains, and the manner in which we prioritize and access information
For decades, research has demonstrated that the use of technology can help accelerate learning and enhance the creative functions of the mind. Using the Internet on a regular basis is likely contributing to the development of certain areas of the brain, especially those involved in filtering out less important information.
But critics have also pointed out that heavy Internet users are also frequently diagnosed with attention deficit disorder. The sheer volume of information available online can adversely affect some individuals, especially when it is not balanced against a normal social life.
But in spite of these potential problems, the team of researchers at UCLA believes we are witnessing a type of evolutionary change. They theorize that people who are fluent and adept at using Internet technology will have a significant edge over their peers in the coming generations. Researchers are quick to point out, however, that individuals who have both technological and social skills will likely be the “alphas” of the next-generation.
The human brain is known to be very agile in adapting to new circumstances and environments. Changes brought on by the use of technology have been shown to alter the neural pathways of the mind, causing the brain to emphasize certain types of information and skip over others.
According to research, the average North American teenager now spends approximately 9 hours every day exposed to technology. This is a huge environmental shift in the day-to-day lives of people, and there is every reason to believe that the brain will adapt and change according to our use of the Internet.
But the need to balance technological skill with social contact is critical. For example, individuals who spend an inordinate amount of time online can become less adept at reading body language and non-verbal cues from others. But by balancing technological savvy with strong social connections we can get the best of both worlds. Those who master both of these areas of life will likely be the leaders of the next generation.
