How The Internet is CHANGING Your Brain

Imagine a life without the internet. Some of us can recall the time before everything was connected, but now the idea of living without smartphones, instant access to maps and search engines at our fingertips seems completely foreign to us. However, our increasing reliance on the online world is having a profound impact on our relationships, sources of information, and the way we interact with each other. The effects are noticeable, even within our brains.

With more and more devices depending on the internet, it's no surprise that global access is continuously expanding. In 2016, an estimated 3.5 billion people worldwide had access to online services. China had the highest number of users with 721 million, followed by India and the US with 290 million users. English is the most widely used language online, followed by Chinese and Spanish.

The dependence on the internet varies across generations. Generation X, born between the mid-1960s and early 1980s, logged an average of 110 minutes of mobile internet usage per day. Millennials, born from the early 80s onward and growing up with the internet, spent an average of 185 minutes per day on mobile internet. Social media and messaging apps have become crucial for our daily lives, with over a billion people regularly using apps like WhatsApp, and even more utilizing platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.

As internet usage increases, our behavior naturally changes. Communication through online platforms is now more common, resulting in a decline in phone calls and text messages. The rise of online shopping and services has also led to a significant decrease in traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Our towns and cities look remarkably different compared to a few decades ago, all due to the availability of online resources.

So, how does this affect our brains? With a vast amount of information at our fingertips, the prevalence of the internet is altering the way we work. Millennials, for instance, have been found to be more forgetful than previous generations. This is attributed to the constant distractions brought about by connectivity. Memory relies on repeated exposure and contemplation of information in our short-term memory to strengthen its storage in the long-term memory. However, constant exposure to new information hampers this process, resulting in less permanent storage. Additionally, the knowledge that information is readily available online reduces our need to memorize it. We used to memorize directions on a map, but now we rely on GPS apps on our phones. This dependence on technology has made us more addicted to our smartphones, constantly checking for messages and updates. This habitual distraction impedes our ability to engage in deeper modes of thinking when necessary.

Moreover, the constant flow of information has led to a loss of cognitive control. Our minds struggle to focus and determine what is truly important when we rely heavily on our phones and apps for information. We prioritize new information rather than what is genuinely essential.

While technology's impact on our brains is undeniable, it is not necessarily negative. Throughout history, inventions have allowed us to spend less time on certain tasks, freeing up our time for other activities. For example, washing machines reduced the time spent on cleaning clothes, allowing for more work or leisure activities. Similarly, the internet's ability to facilitate communication and provide quick access to information grants us extra mental capacity for other cognitive processes. However, reducing screen time can help keep our brains active and adaptable. It is crucial to be aware of the amount of time we spend on distractions each day. Tracking our screen time and occasionally unplugging can be beneficial.

In conclusion, while the internet has undoubtedly changed the way we think and behave, it presents both opportunities and challenges. It is up to us to strike a balance, leveraging technology's benefits while being mindful of its potential drawbacks.