Proof that the Internet Makes Me Smarter
A survey by UCLA professors showed that searching the Web may help stimulate and possibly improve brain function. When you search the Internet it triggers the control decision-making and complex reasoning portions of your brain. I’m sure it also affects the part of the brain that is easily addicted to stimulus.
“Internet searching engages complicated brain activity, which may help exercise and improve brain function.” said Dr. Gary Small, Professor, UCLA
This is even more fascinating – searching the Internet stimulates more brain activity than reading does. “Internet searching appears to engage a greater extent of neural circuitry that is not activated during reading – but only in those with prior Internet experience.”
“Compared with simple reading, the Internet’s wealth of choices requires that people make decisions about what to click on in order to pursue more information, an activity that engages important cognitive circuits in the brain.” It turns out it’s especially apparent if the person was an experienced web searcher.
They talked about how this affects older people, though I’m sure it applies to me too. It gives me an excuse to stay online when my husband complains. I’ll tell him the web is my crossword puzzle.
One Response to “Proof that the Internet Makes Me Smarter”
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November 11th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
It applies to you, too! All the sorting and instant categorizing your brain does certainly improves your cognitive function.