[geoff01]

Internet use 'good for the brain'

For middle-aged and older people at least, using the internet helps boost brain power, research suggests.

A University of California Los Angeles team found searching the web stimulated centres in the brain that controlled decision-making and complex reasoning.

The researchers say this might even help to counteract the age-related physiological changes that cause the brain to slow down.

The study features in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.

As the brain ages, a number of changes occur, including shrinkage and reductions in cell activity, which can affect performance.

It has long been thought that activities which keep the brain active, such as crossword puzzles, may help minimise that impact - and the latest study suggests that surfing the web can be added to the list.

Brain activity in an experienced internet user when searching the web
Web use stimulates much more activity in the same brain

Lead researcher Professor Gary Small said: "The study results are encouraging, that emerging computerised technologies may have physiological effects and potential benefits for middle-aged and older adults.

"Internet searching engages complicated brain activity, which may help exercise and improve brain function."

The latest study was based on 24 volunteers aged between 55 and 76. Half were experienced internet users, the rest were not.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7667610.stm

yes internet is good for the brain because we are getting so many things from internet only. it is very helpful for us.

[troy]

yes internet is good for the brain

[AvisMorgan]

Well…for me technology totally stimulates your brain further than most activities yet there could be breakdown also in sitting at a computer screen and typing all day.

[Kaori]

I personally think it is actually good for our brain and logical studies have proved that since the use of internet is being more common the part of the brain which gathers and understands information is getting better and competent as well…

[huuu]

If we rely on the internet much more,we may lose other skills.

[jamieson]

yeah i agree that using internet really help us.. but we should still guide young ones of using this because still there's a lot of stuff that the young people should not use and see to the net..!
using advance technology is really helpful and we can learn a lot from it, but we should have control of using this..!

[urogoldxx]

I completely agree that it i good for the brain but there is a lot more to it than this.

Personally, I am beginning to feel uncomfortable sitting in front of the computer which means my days of serious internet knowledge are coming over.

[WMIRKalena]

Originally Posted by geoff01

Internet use 'good for the brain'

For middle-aged and older people at least, using the internet helps boost brain power, research suggests.

A University of California Los Angeles team found searching the web stimulated centres in the brain that controlled decision-making and complex reasoning.

The researchers say this might even help to counteract the age-related physiological changes that cause the brain to slow down.

The study features in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.

As the brain ages, a number of changes occur, including shrinkage and reductions in cell activity, which can affect performance.

It has long been thought that activities which keep the brain active, such as crossword puzzles, may help minimise that impact - and the latest study suggests that surfing the web can be added to the list.

Brain activity in an experienced internet user when searching the web
Web use stimulates much more activity in the same brain

Lead researcher Professor Gary Small said: "The study results are encouraging, that emerging computerised technologies may have physiological effects and potential benefits for middle-aged and older adults.

"Internet searching engages complicated brain activity, which may help exercise and improve brain function."

The latest study was based on 24 volunteers aged between 55 and 76. Half were experienced internet users, the rest were not.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7667610.stm

Really? Interesting...

[layneb]

good 2 know