The defense of computers, the Internet and our brains
There is a lively discussion and some concern that computers, the Internet and multitasking are extracting a mental price, writes Nick Bilton in the New York Times’ “Bits” blog. Yet, Bilton says, “there are some who argue that not only are our brains just fine on the Internet, but they are indeed better off for it.”
“Research shows that each medium offers its own positive attributes: Neuroscience has shown that playing video games stimulates areas of our brains that control working memory, hand and eye coordination and attention and can stimulate and vastly improve our cognitive skills. Reading on the other hand promotes deep thought and exercises areas of the brain responsible for reflection, reasoning and critical analysis. And auditory storytelling stimulates areas of the brain involved with creativity, contextual thinking and executive function.
It could be argued that the Web, which is the ultimate library of words, video, images, interactivity, sharing and conversation, is the quintessential place to learn.”
