There has been long-standing debate over the positives and negatives of the Internet, and its usage. Persistent amongst these debates has been the issue of the effects of the Internet on the human mind. It was confirmed today that- Internet Use Improves Brainpower.

This confirmation is from the results of a test conducted by a team of scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles. The team found searching on the Internet stimulates parts of the brain that control decision-making and complex reasoning.

24 volunteers aged 55 to 76 were asked to either search online or read while their brains were scanned using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The volunteers comprised of two groups; half were experienced Internet users and the others were not.

All the study participants showed increased brain activity while reading a book, but Internet searches revealed a difference between the two groups. Those who were Internet savvy registered more brain activity, while those new to the Internet did not.

Quoting Dr. Gary Small, a professor at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at University of California-

“The study results are encouraging, that emerging computerized 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.”

“Our most striking finding was that Internet searching appears to engage a greater extent of neural circuitry that is not activated during reading – but only in those with prior Internet experience,”

There you have it. Internet usage really does improve brainpower. I, for one, am rather excited at this because I had once been involved in a debate over this, but have always had to stand down because of insufficient evidence. Now, the proof is out there for all to see.