How The Internet Is Changing Our Brains

Our current world is one where most people are preoccupied with scrolling and texting. Whether we’re like to admit it or not, we are all is addicted to the instant stimulation we get from using our phones. Let’s take a look at how the internet has changed our brains. Why paying attention doesn’t come naturally to us anymore, and why our brains have become reliant on the availability of information.

We are Power Browsers

Browsing online has developed a new form of reading. We don’t really read online, but instead, we power browse through sites. Today we scan through titles and bullet points. How does that affect our brain? Well, when we don’t really bother to read the full text, comprehension, and concentration are clearly at risk.

We Are Learning Differently

Remember back when you were in school, you were asked to memorize dates, titles, and details? Kids don’t do much of that these days. Memorizing facts wastes valuable brainpower that could be used to store more crucial information that can’t be easily Googled. Hence, we don’t really bother to memorize or even remember many things anymore.

Paying Attention Is Much Harder

Did you notice it can be very hard to get your friends or partners to listen to you? And, on the flip side, you have probably also noticed that it is hard for you to listen to them as well. This is because our brains are now used to multitasking. For example, updating your status, while texting your friend and also listening to your favorite music. This makes paying attention to one thing very hard.

Online Thinking Persists Even Offline

The constant bombardment of information online can be too stimulating and overwhelming. Too much time on social media can cause us to become too distracted and unfocused. Even once we log off, our brains are still under the influence of the internet. This compromised focus can interrupt work, personal time and even strain family relationships.