This Is Your Brain. This Is Your Brain On Google!

Want a mental workout? Google one.

Researchers at the University of California conducted a study called Your Brain on Google. Internet searches can stimulate the key parts of the brain, but only if you do it right. The study broke the group into two sections, the net naive, and the net savvy. The net savvy group showed a lot more depth in brain activity during their search session. That group was more comfortable thinking in layers and making decisions on which way to go in their searches.

There was good news for the net naive group though. After they were given a bit of computer training, their brains showed similar strengthening patterns to the savvy for their next search session. Conventional reading is one dimensional compared to the web, and the complex reasoning we use navigating on line helps to strengthen the cognitive brain activity we need for everyday tasks.

Source: Gary Small, MD, author of "iBrain"