Cognitive Changes

Technology affects brain development in many different ways. On this blog I have touched on how there are links between excessive technology use and mental disorders and slow brain development. However, there is another way that technology is affecting our brains that is not necessarily negative but definitely something we need to be aware of. Technology is changing the cognitive skills of our brains. In other words its making our brains better suited to function with technology. While not all cognitive functions have been affected, a couple major ones have seen a decrease in function. The cognitive ability that has seen the greatest effects of technology is analytical thinking. While these changes are not completely negative because the better our brains work with technology, the more useful it is for our lives, we need to be aware of the changes it is causing to our brains. Being aware of these changes will allow us to can better implement technology into our lives. If we don’t adjust necessary systems, like teaching techniques, to better suit how our brains are changing, we will allow our children and future generations to fall behind.