What the internet is doing to our brains – The Shallows

It seems that every technology human beings embrace alters the way their brains work. The clock, the map and the printing press have all had profound effects on us, but the potential for the computer to change our minds is only just beginning to be appreciated. We may be aware of its positive impact in terms of reaching people and storing and sharing information, but do we recognise the concomitant decline in our attention span, our lack of deep and contemplative thought, our failure to engage emotionally or develop compassion?  Nicholas Carr’s new book tells the story.

People used to think of the human brain as ‘hard-wired’ and essentially unalterable. Recent science, however, has shown that it is remarkably adaptable. In fact almost every human technological development results in changes in the way that the brain works. Information technology proves to be exceptionally powerful because it addresses brain functions directly. When, for example, we developed maps, then people took a more abstract and analytical view of their world. When we developed clocks, people became less aware of the movement of the sun across the sky and tended to divide their days and their thoughts into tight compartments.

Yet nothing, it seems, has affected us so much as the internet is now doing. Spending eight hours or so a day on the computer connected to the internet, our minds race from one link to the next, responding to the latest email and clicking through to the next link. The internet is addictive, with repetitive activity, providing regular small rewards. This tends to produce a ‘permanent state of distractedness’. Studies of brain function show massive brain activity in our working memory, while there is a progressive diminution in deep thinking and long term retention such as would occur through reading a book or engaging in contemplation.

Nicholas Carr’s book is full of experimental support for his ideas. It is sure to produce a storm when it is published in the UK soon. EarthAbbey members may be particularly interested in this summary of research,

‘A series of psychological studies over the last twenty years has revealed that after spending time in a quiet rural setting, close to nature, people exhibit greater attentiveness, stronger memory and generally improved cognition. Their brains become both calmer and sharper.’

And later he says…
‘The more distracted we become the less able we are to experience the subtlest, most distinctively human forms of empathy, compassion, and other emotions.’

I thought you might be interested.

Chris aka Breaking Wave

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