UCLA study finds that searching the Internet increases brain function / UCLA N... - The Diigo Meta page

• 09 Apr 09
  

  Rio Hayashi

  e American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry

• 12 Mar 09
  

  Michel Roland

  brain pratiques_informationnelles

  • UCLA scientists have found that for computer-savvy middle-aged and older adults, searching the Internet triggers key centers in the brain that control decision-making and complex reasoning. The findings demonstrate that Web search activity may help stimulate and possibly improve brain function.
  • "A simple, everyday task like searching the Web appears to enhance brain circuitry in older adults, demonstrating that our brains are sensitive and can continue to learn as we grow older," Small said.

    
    

     

    
    

    Small added that the minimal brain activation found in the less experienced Internet group may be due to participants not quite grasping the strategies needed to successfully engage in an Internet search, which is common while learning a new activity.

    
    

     

    
    

    "With more time on the Internet, they may demonstrate the same brain activation patterns as the more experienced group," he said.
• 17 Oct 08
  

  Henk Nouwens

  gezondheidszorg en welzijn

• 16 Oct 08
  

  Joost Robben
  • searching the Internet triggers key centers in the brain that control decision-making and complex reasoning.
  • Web search activity may help stimulate and possibly improve brain function.
  • 10 more annotations...
  • • in press at the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and will appear in an upcoming issue.
    • "Internet searching engages complicated brain activity, which may help exercise and improve brain function."
    • Traditionally, these include games such as crossword puzzles, but with the advent of technology, scientists are beginning to assess the influence of computer use — including the Internet.
    • iBrain: Surviving the Technological Alteration of the Modern Mind," published today.
    • significant brain activity during the book-reading task
    • Internet searches revealed a major difference between the two groups
    • the Web-savvy group also registered activity in the frontal, temporal and cingulate areas of the brain, which control decision-making and complex reasoning.
    • Internet searching appears to engage a greater extent of neural circuitry that is not activated during reading
    • Compared with simple reading, the Internet's wealth of choices requires that people make decisions about what to click on in order to pursue more information, an activity that engages important cognitive circuits in the brain.
    • our brains are sensitive and can continue to learn as we grow older," Small said.

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