In The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to our Brains in
chapter two titled The Vital Paths, Nicholas Carr eloquently describes
neuroplasticity and how the brain functions when it comes to forming habits.
Neuroplasticity, also known as cortical re-mapping, is the ability of the brain
to structurally alter itself in response to stimuli. With new experiences our
brain reorganizes pathways between neurons. This application of scientific
facts to explain our brain’s processing emphasizes how the internet embeds into
our thought process. As the old saying goes “practice makes perfect” along with
neuroplasticity shows that our daily activities play a part in what our brain
chooses to focus on and enhance in memory. The internet is a part of people’s
every day life, so is our brain adjusting to how the internet works for better
or for worse? Are we in fact a walking internet with a full reliance upon
technology?
I believe the internet is useful in some ways. It is to the extent that we share information openly, like in social networks or other influential media, that our brains are being overly exposed. Paying the bill or sending important messages can be very useful, but why must we share our information with people we don't really care for or look up information that we don't really need? Using the internet isn't quite like a practice, for it is more like an addiction. With so much access to a vast amount of information, it is practically difficult to pull away. We are not fully reliant upon technology just yet, but we are soon getting there. With technology being more efficient and available, other resources are being eliminated. It's all about the marketing system. You give what the people want - something better and efficient. And what better to ensue than technology?
ReplyDelete