Humans, as a species, always have discovered different ways to communicate with one another. Recently, the most modern way to communicate is through the Internet. Technology has helped us tremendously, as it is the fastest, most efficient way to communicate. Although most humans do not realize that the Internet has changed the way the human brain interprets and reacts to every day situations.
Primarily, the Internet can make your brain behave like someone who has an addiction. Researchers have done MRIs on drug addicts’ brains and have found that people who heavily use the Internet have similar brain activity to those who have additions.
Also, since the Internet allows you to be connected instantly with billions of people, you would think that the Internet gives you a sense of comfort; however, it does quite the opposite. It has been proven that the Internet actually leaves people feeling more alone. German scientists have found a correlation showing that when someone views other people’s positive experiences, such as seeing exciting vacation photos, it cause feelings of envy and loneliness in the viewer’s brain.
In addition, teenagers who to spend time on the Internet have an increased chance of committing suicide. This is due to the fact that teenagers who seriously consider suicide are able to research about the topic through online sources.
Finally, increased Internet use can cause memory loss. The constant electronic stimulation of the Internet does not allow the brain to properly file and store information. This makes it more difficult for the brain to create memories and access old ones.
All in all, the Internet is not all bad. Scientists have proven that moderate use of the Internet can help brain function in the elderly. It allows the brain to preform more complicated activities than normal daily life, which can improve overall cognitive function.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/mri/basics/definition/prc-20012903
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/30/shocking-ways-internet-rewires-brain_n_4136942.html
I think that technology and the Internet have a greater ability to impact the human mind than we may realize. I have always been interested in this topic, and I have always wondered about the effects of social media specifically. This article is extremely interesting, as it explores only some of the effects on users: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/negative-effect-social-media-society-individuals-27617.html
This post really scares me, especially when I think about the future. The next generation and the one after that will only be more and more obsessed with technology. So, I am terrified that humans will grow to feel more and more lonely as time goes on. Technology truly does separate us amongst each other. Recently, I just deleted my twitter and it feels great. I do not feel the urge to get a new one and I surprisingly don’t miss it at all. Here is an article that deals with how children are affected by technology.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/21/opinion/clinton-steyer-internet-kids/