The internet

The internet is a global network of billions of computers and other electronic devices. Through the internet, people can share information, communicate with anyone and anywhere, and do much more.

Impacts on brain

Specialized MRI brain scans showed changes in the brain's white matter (the part that contains nerve fibres) in web addicts compared to non-addicts.

Studies show that there are multiple structural changes of the brain - decreased grey matter volume in the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), the supplementary motor area (SMA), the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), the cerebellum, and the left rostral ACC (ACC).

Ways in which the internet is changing our brain functions 

SLEEP

Excessive internet use is associated with sleep disruption.

Sleep disruption leads to various negative impacts such as - 

- Fatigue,

- trouble focusing,

- difficulty in regulating emotions and stress,

- the compromised immune system. 

Accessing the internet via electronic devices when in bed may make it harder for your mind to relax, further inhibiting sleep. 

In addition, electromagnetic radiation associated with mobile devices has been found to delay melatonin production, which helps fall asleep and stay asleep.

Excessive exposure to blue light emitted from the screen of internet-connected devices can also disrupt the sleep-wake cycle, making sleep more difficult. 

Attention 

The internet encourages us to multitask, if only because it is easy to switch between tasks and open multiple windows in the browser.

Research shows that multitasking adversely affects how we learn. Even if we learn while multitasking, learning is less flexible and more specialized, so we cannot retrieve the information as easily. Information often gets is-stored in the area of the brain responsible for procedures and skill instead of facts and ideas.
The constant jumping around and interruption in attention from multitasking make it much harder to sustain attention, think about one thing for a long time, and think deeply when new stimuli are pouring at us all day long.

Memory 

Researches show that as we use the internet to support and extend our memory, we become more reliant on it. Whereas before we might try to recall something on our own, now we don't bother. As more information becomes available through the internet, we become progressively more dependent on it.

The reliance on the internet for information and recreation has been shown in research to activate the same brain pathway and neurotransmitters associated with the addiction, so the dependence is just as physically impactful as a drug.

Critical thinking 

Internet generally reduces or limits the opportunity for - deeper thinking, deliberation, abstract thinking. Instead, we try to rely more on surface-level information, which is not a good recipe for creativity, invention, or critical thinking. Research suggests neural connection or network between the frontal lobe and other brain areas are becoming less connected in favours of stronger connections in-network with a preference for surface-level information. 

Novelty focus 

The more we assimilate ourselves to the internet and the constant flow of information through it, the less able we are to figure out what's important to focus on. Instead, our mind gets attracted to what's new rather than what's important. What's new may be completely devoid of meaning, but the part of the brain that responds to it tricks us into thinking that it's significant. 

Reward seeking 

Each time we dispatch an email in one way or another, we feel a sense of accomplishment, and our brain gets a dollop of reward hormones telling us we accomplished something. But it is the dumb novelty seeking part of the brain driving the limbic system that induces the feeling of pleasure, not the planning, scheduling, a higher-level thought centre in the prefrontal cortex. So in a sense more we pursue empty rewards like Facebook "likes" or Twitter "favourites," the dumber we get and the harder it is to maintain some level of balance and self-awareness over our health.

Emotions 

Emotional control requires balance throughout the brain's network. Research has proven that dependence increases impulsivity and lowers frustration tolerance. In addition, researchers linked depression and school burnout to adolescents' excessive internet use. Interestingly it works both ways; the researchers also found out that internet or digital addiction is more likely to happen if adolescents already lack interest and feel cynicism towards school.

How can we lessen these negative impacts?  

- By limiting the time spent on the internet.

- By scheduling the time spent on internet use.

- By doing more physical activities and socializing with family, friends, and others. 

Conclusion 

There are both positive impacts and negative impacts. We should think carefully that by using the internet regularly throughout the day, are we creating brains that are helped by the quick access to knowledge, information, recreation, and social connections, or are we instead creating brains that are addicted to internet-related information, recreation, and social connection