How the Internet is Shaping Our Mind

By Michael Poh. in Culture. Updated on December 26, 2023.

As the Internet becomes an integral part of our lives, both professionally and personally, our minds are adapting to its rapid evolution. The constant online presence has become so ingrained in our routine that disconnecting feels unnatural. Our need for continuous access to messaging, social media, and various apps is a testament to our desire to remain connected.

Visualization of Internet's impact on brain

This reliance on digital technology is significantly influencing our thought processes, notably among the Gen-Z population who have never experienced a world without it.

Often, we’re not conscious of external factors impacting our internal state, as these influences are usually subconscious. This is true for technologies that have become deeply embedded in our daily lives, from televisions to the internet. Here are some significant ways in which the internet has been transforming our minds, often without our realizing it.

1. Enhances Brain Function

Navigating the internet, which involves searching and clicking through various links, is a more complex activity than reading books. A study involving middle-aged and elderly participants found that those engaging in web searches showed more significant brain activity than those less familiar with the internet.

A follow-up brain scan two weeks later revealed that after spending an hour each day on the internet for a week, even the inexperienced users demonstrated brain activity similar to seasoned internet users.

Brain activity comparison in internet users

This study indicates that internet use can effectively rewire our brains. Areas of the brain associated with memory and decision-making were particularly stimulated during these sessions, suggesting an enhancement in these cognitive functions due to internet usage.

Considering the impact of a brief exposure to internet training on cognitive abilities, it’s exciting to think about the potential advancements in our mental capabilities from prolonged exposure to not only search engines but also social media and the diverse range of interactive online content. The substantial increase in user-generated content over the past decade highlights our growing creativity and adaptability.

2. Fosters Creativity

The internet has empowered everyone to express themselves and connect with others worldwide. This environment, where we’re all striving to be heard, encourages creativity. Whether we’re updating Facebook statuses, sharing photos, or engaging in other online activities, we’re eager to share our lives, despite privacy concerns.

The drive to stand out on social media and the internet spurs us to be more inventive and original with our posts.

As we transition from passive TV consumption to active online interaction, we experience what Clay Shirky from Wired Magazine calls “cognitive surplus“, leading to activities that require more participation and engagement than mere TV viewing.

Our exposure to millions of creative works on platforms like YouTube and social networking sites, including inspiring quotes and innovative ideas, is undeniably enhancing our creativity and inspiration.

3. Impacts Self-Image

However, this creative freedom can lead to self-doubt and insecurity as we compare our lives with others’ social media portrayals. It’s important to remember these posts often only show positive aspects, leading to unnecessary envy over seemingly perfect lives.

Studies have shown that a significant number of users feel worse about their own lives after visiting Facebook, particularly those who passively browse without contributing.

For some, social media engagement has become a measure of self-worth, contributing to issues like Facebook-induced depression and addiction. Much of this stems from perceived social pressures and self-esteem challenges.

4. Reduces Attention Span

The internet’s structure, filled with hyperlinks, has led to a decrease in our ability to focus on a single topic. This non-linear browsing style conditions us to scan content briefly before moving on.

Often, we’re distracted by new topics before finishing what we started, posing a challenge for content creators to retain reader engagement.

Shortened attention span due to internet

Statistics confirm our growing impatience online, with studies showing a significant drop in average attention span. Office workers, for example, check their email 30 times an hour, and many webpages are viewed for only a few seconds.

This trend towards fleeting attention spans encourages multitasking and challenges our ability to concentrate on one task at a time.

5. Promotes Multitasking

Our reduced ability to focus on one thing has led us to multitask, doing several things at once. You might be reading this article while listening to music, chatting online, or even exercising. This is becoming increasingly common with the proliferation of smart devices.

While multitasking is often seen as productive, it actually divides our attention and can impair cognitive function. Studies suggest that multitasking can lead to greater distractions and reduced mental acuity. Only about 2% of people, known as supertaskers, can handle multiple tasks effectively.

Test your multitasking skills with the online “Gatekeeper Task for Supertasker” developed by researchers.

6. Alters Memory Function

A study by psychologist Dr. Betsy Sparrow suggests the internet acts as an “external memory storage” for us. Participants in memory experiments were more likely to recall trivia when they couldn’t search for answers online. Interestingly, when typing trivia into a computer, they remembered folder locations better than the trivia itself.

This indicates the internet’s role as a transactive memory source, changing how we remember things. Instead of relying solely on our brain, we now use the internet as a resource for information retrieval.

With this “outsourcing” of memory, our capacity for recall is no longer confined to our brain’s limits. Search engines like Google have become our primary means of accessing information.