The “online brain”: how the Internet may be changing our cognition
The University of Melbourne · University of Manchester · +17 more institutions
Abstract
The impact of the Internet across multiple aspects of modern society is clear. However, the influence that it may have on our brain structure and functioning remains a central topic of investigation. Here we draw on recent psychological, psychiatric and neuroimaging findings to examine several key hypotheses on how the Internet may be changing our cognition. Specifically, we explore how unique features of the online world may be influencing: a) attentional capacities, as the constantly evolving stream of online information encourages our divided attention across multiple media sources, at the expense of sustained concentration; b) memory processes, as this vast and ubiquitous source of online information…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 117.18
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 137
Authors
11- JFJoseph FirthCorresponding
The University of Melbourne, University of Manchester, University of Oxford, Westmead Institute, Western Sydney University
- JTJohn Torous
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University
- BSBrendon Stubbs
King's College London, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
- JAJosh A. Firth
The University of Melbourne, University of Manchester, University of Oxford, Westmead Institute, Western Sydney University
- GZGenevieve Z. Steiner
Translational Research Institute, Westmead Institute, Western Sydney University
Topics & keywords
- The Internet
- Cognition
- Psychology
- Social media
- Affect (linguistics)
- Internet privacy
- Cognitive psychology
- Computer science
- Quality Education
Funding
- NINational Institute for Health and Care ResearchAward: APP1125000
- NGNIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre
- PSPatient Safety Translational Research Centre
- MBManchester Biomedical Research Centre
- MRMedical Research Council
- BABiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research CouncilAward: BB/S009752/1
- NHNational Health and Medical Research CouncilAwards: APP1125000, APP1082934, APP1102532