Internet would have a significant impact on our brain, in particular on our capacities of concentration, memory and social interaction.
After three decades of using the Internet, what impact does this technology have on our brains? This is the question posed by researchers from Harvard University (United States), Western Sydney University (Australia), London King’s College, Oxford University and the University of Manchester ( UK). They published their results in the journal World Psychiatry.
This study, which brings together and analyzes the results of previous studies, focuses on three themes: our ability to pay attention and concentrate, our memory processes and our social cognition, i.e. our ability to create social interactions. The theory behind this study posits that neuro-plasticity – or the ability of the brain to change structurally over time – implies that the experiences one creates through internet use could have a big impact on our brain.
Multitasking and the impact on memory
Contrary to all expectations, knowing how to do several things at the same time (the “multitasking” in English) on the Internet does not mean knowing how to do several things at the same time in real life. It’s quite the opposite: the results tend to show that digital multitasking encourages people to be attentive to new distractions. The researchers note, however, that more studies are needed to understand the long-term effects on young people.
“The endless stream of digital notifications encourages us to always divide our attention, which in turn can diminish our ability to maintain our attention on a single task,” said Joseph Firth, senior researcher at Western’s NICM Health Research Institute. Sydney University.
When it comes to memory, while previous generations had to remember everything, current generations can rely on the Internet for factual knowledge. Which, in theory, can free up the brain to focus on more ambitious tasks.
The impact of the digital world on our mental health
According to the results of this study, the brain seems to consider digital social interactions in the same way as real social interactions. This reality can be beneficial for older populations, who sometimes face problems of isolation.
But this is not necessarily the case for younger populations, who seem more sensitive to the consequences arising from online social interactions, in particular peer pressure and the feeling of rejection, strong in adolescence. However, the study authors note that social media could be a form of therapy for young people with mental health issues.
“The results of this study show how much we have to learn from the impact of the digital world on our mental and brain health, explains Dr. John Torous, co-author of the study and researcher at Harvard. certainly potential benefits for certain aspects of our health but they must be weighed against the potential risks.”
Understanding the changes associated with Internet use is especially important for children and adolescents whose brains are still developing. While waiting to know more and as a precaution, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued new recommendations concerning the exposure of children under five who should not spend more than one hour a day in front of a screen.
.
