Slashdot Mirror
Internet Use Can Be Good For the Brain
ddelmonte writes "This Washington Post article examines a test conducted at UCLA.
The test had two groups, young people who used the Internet, and older people who had never been online. Both groups were asked to do Internet searches and book reading tasks while their brain activity was monitored.
'We found that in reading the book task, the visual cortex — the part of the brain that controls reading and language — was activated,' Small said.
'In doing the Internet search task, there was much greater activity, but only in the Internet-savvy group.'
He said it appears that people who are familiar with the Internet can engage in a much deeper level of brain activity.
'There is something about Internet searching where we can gauge it to a level that we find challenging,' Small said.
In the aging brain, atrophy and reduced cell activity can take a toll on cognitive function. Activities that keep the brain engaged can preserve brain health and thinking ability.
Small thinks learning to do Internet searches may be one of those activities."
. . . when they announce that next week, we're all set!
Schroedinger's Brexit: The UK is both in and out of the EU at the same time!
Steve Hawking ain't got nothing on me; I must be a genius!
(You have to appreciate me calling myself a genius in the same sentence that has the word "ain't", and a double negative.)
Same here, I used to be able to concen OH HEY LOOK LOLCAT!
Good sir, I detect a hint of sarcasm in your typing.
They are teaching monkeys how to play video games. Surfing slashdot cannot be far behind.
Bearded Dragon
Does the research also mention something about playing tower defense flash games on the internet?
I think it's because Internet users needed to use more of their brains, having less to go around. But then I use the Internet too, so what do I know?
Reduce, reuse, cycle
"I'm exercising my visual cortex!" *fapfapfapfapfapfapfapfapfapfap*
So by my estimation it will make you n times smarter than the Library of Congress ever could.
Same here. I start looking for a solution, or just merely checking emails, suddenly I find myself two hours down the line staring at some super model boobs while trying to download a bit torrent of some 60s band. We're not alone - Obligatory
If the internet is good for your brain why do I feel stupider after reading more than 3 YouTube comments?
That is a fascinating article with a superb ending. Ironically, though, I have other things to do this morning so I skipped to the end after about 7 paragraphs :P
Life is rarely fair. Cherish the moments when there is a right answer.