If you spend any kind of meaningful time on the internet, you will know how all-encompassing it is. These experiences are often quite specific; we all have the sites, apps, platforms, games, etc. that we like to access daily. However, according to some studies, the internet might have an impact on the human brain. What, then, are the major changes brought about due to the internet?
We no longer look to memorize information we can cross-reference
A common brain change that has been noted is the lack of data collection in our brains. In the past, we had to memorize dates, times, places, and locations for events and just about anything taking place. Now, we can find anything from addresses and phone numbers to start times for events simply by going online.
The days of having to memorize facts and information for things we can simply ‘Google’ or check online are over for some. Instead, brain power is reserved for things that we cannot simply look up.
We are becoming Very Online, even when offline
The way that you think, act, and interact online is very different from how you do so in the ‘real’ world. However, the ability to find information on every corner of our screens has led to many of us acting more in the online persona than we would want.
Indeed, the constant barrage of information online means that our brains become scattered and unfocused – yes, even when offline. This means that we can find that our personal time, our ability to stay focused, and our capability to remain on-point with plans put in place are much more challenging than expected. Needless to say, this is not a good thing!
Concentration is a thing of the past – for some
One of the major problems with the internet is that it has negatively impacted concentration. Today, many of us simply skim a text or a video to find the one piece of detail we arrived for. This means that vital information escapes our grasp. We do not read the full piece; we simply comprehend the part we want. This means that many of us lack the focus and concentration of previous generations.
With so much to read and look at, many of us are used to simply skimming for what we want to find. Naturally, this can create a paucity of context in the things we read.