Continued from Part 2        

In the technological era where everyone is always connected, how is the internet affecting us and our brains? Are there slight dangers to being constantly online, or are there some deep, dark things that we’re just unaware about? Follow our three-part article to get this exclusive information.

1. The Internet causes higher suicide risks. Although, this has only been documented in teens, take heed. According to researchers from the University of Oxford in England, online time is linked to higher risks of suicide and harm to oneself in adolescents.Due the amount of cyberbullying, trolls, and a bunch of people just up to no good, it isn’t surprising that the amount of time teens spend online – particularly, very vulnerable teens – might lead to higher suicide risks. The internet can be a very dangerous place, and certain websites extremely unsuitable for teens.That isn’t to say that all young people going online will be suicidal, but some teens looking out for ways to harm themselves, or already have thoughts on suicide might find, through the internet, their means to an end. Online content might help simplify things for them, and the unaccepting society in some sites might even make this worse.

 

1. However – the Internet boosts brain function. As bad as everything here sounds, the internet actually has good things to offer to the brain as well. Although, we’ve only listed one here, this doesn’t mean that the weights of all our points are equal. This one is pretty significant.In 2008, researchers from UCLA suggested that using Search Engines actually allows much neural stimulation and neural activity, potentially enhancing brain function – especially in elders.

“What we’ve concluded from the study is very promising. It seems that the computer technologies that we utilize today can actually have physiological effects and benefits for adults – especially in those facing potential cognitive decline. Doing a Google search, simple as it seems, actually involves complicated brain processes, which allow exercising of neurons and improved brain function.”
Dr. Gary Small,
UCLA

The MRI brain scans from the conducted research showed that the usage of search engines dramatically increased neural connectivity, allowing for very promising applications.

Whatever the case, it is impossible to separate our lives from the Internet, as we use it in almost every way. However, be safe. Be informed. That being said, we can only leave you with this:

“The Internet is becoming the town square for the global village of tomorrow.”
Bill Gates