The Internet has had an awesome effect on modern life and it would be hard for the young to imagine a world of no e-mails; no Googling information; and no texts or computer games; and no instant access to information and instant contact with friends and family all over the world. The development of new technologies has increased dramatically and will continue to do so at a terrific pace.
It often amazes me to remember that there were no computers or mobile phones when I was young.
But it is amazing the effect that the Internet has had on our lives
Of course, there are terrific benefits from technological progress — but there can be great dangers as well, and I believe we could be sleepwalking into the next great problem to sweep the world.
The brain is malleable and developing — not just in early childhood but on into adulthood and beyond. Neuroscientists tell us that the surrounding environment has a huge impact both on the way our brains develop and how that brain is transformed into a unique human mind.
The brain organ changes according to the environment and the life we lead. It not only goes on developing, changing and in some tragic cases, eventually deteriorating with age; it is also substantially shaped by what we do to it and by our experience of daily life.
The brain actually changes at a microcellular level; the infinitely complex network of nerve cells that make up the constituent parts of the brain really change in response to life experiences and stimuli.
The human brain is most sensitive and could be under threat from the modern world. Electronic devices have an impact on the micro-cellular structure and the complex biochemistry of our brains. And that, in turn, affects our personality, our behavior and our characteristics. In short, the modern world could well be altering our brains.
There are many dangers that we should reflect up on.
Have we stopped using our brains to think? Do we just use the Internet to gather information?
No longer do we do not try to work out how to get from A to B we switch on the sat-nav and go where we are told.
I have seen mothers amuse babies by giving them an I-pad to play with.
Already, it is pretty clear that the screen-based, two-dimensional world that so many teenagers — and a growing number of adults — choose to inhabit is producing changes in behavior. Attention spans are shorter; personal communication skills are reduced; and there is a marked reduction in the ability to think abstractly.
This games-driven generation interprets the world through screen-shaped eyes. Today’s technology is already producing a marked shift in the way we think and behave, particularly among the young. Many parents will notice how addictive some video games can be and how the young can waste the whole day gaming until their eyes are red and tired.
We could be raising a hedonistic generation who live only in the thrill of the computer-generated moment, and are in distinct danger of detaching themselves from the real world.
But with our brains now under such widespread attack from modern technology, there is a danger that the cherished sense of self could be lost.
The brain is like any other muscle in the body and you need to exercise it and use it in lots of different ways to keep it growing, stimulated and healthy
Alzheimer’s research has shown that there is some truth in the adage “use it or lose it.”
It is something we all need to think about; especially as parents. Our children will not thank us if we let them sleep walk into future problems as has happened with the tidal wave of obesity.
Chinese researchers have found that our grey matter— the part of the brain responsible for processing of speech, memory, motor control, emotion, sensory, and other information— is shrinking or atrophying. Numerous studies show that the more a person spends online the worse they are likely to feel.
Constant Web use often replaces exercise, and face-to-face contact which can lead to loneliness, and depression.
It is important as with all things in life to have balance. It is important that even after leaving school or college we go on learning new skills to keep our brains bright, sharp and active.
Children should be encouraged to use their brains in a variety of different areas such as sport, learning to play an instrument, mathematics, and writing. And to constantly stretch their brains by acquiring new skills. In a world where we are living ever-longer it is important not to take our brains for granted and to use them to become lifelong learners.
Limits should be put on time spent on technology and you should control your time. Meal times are important family time and all technology should be switched off.
I hope this article will make you reflect on your use of technology and look at is as a tool in life that should be used wisely and in moderation; and that you should also intentionally make your brain work in other ways too.
— Alva
