Science Archives

3 Disadvantages of Internet Use: How It Undermines Our Brains

A child on a mobile phone in a cafe illustrates the disadvantages of internet use

Is the internet reshaping our ability to concentrate and retain information? How might our digital habits be affecting our capacity for deep thinking? The rise of internet use has brought about significant changes in how we process and consume information. Nicholas Carr’s book The Shallows explores the potential drawbacks of our increasingly digital lives, focusing on three main areas: concentration, deep reading, and information retention. Read on to learn about three disadvantages of internet use and discover how our online habits might be impacting our cognitive abilities.

Meditation & Neuroplasticity: The Case for Altered Traits

A woman with her eyes closed while neurons are firing in her brain depicts the link between meditation and neuroplasticity

Is your brain more adaptable than you think? Can meditation really change your fundamental traits? Meditation and neuroplasticity are closely linked, offering exciting possibilities for personal growth. Psychologists Daniel Goleman and Richard Davidson contend that our brains can change in response to mental training, potentially altering our basic characteristics. Read on to explore how meditation can reshape your brain and transform your life, from the book Altered Traits.

How Technology Affects Our Brains: Maps, Clocks, & the Web

A woman leaning on a chalkboard with drawings of a brain and various technologies depicts how technology affects our brains

Is technology reshaping our cognitive landscape? How might our digital habits be altering the way we think and process information? The evolution of technology has profoundly impacted our brains. From maps and clocks to the internet, each new tool shapes our perception and mental processes. In The Shallows, Nicholas Carr explores the concept of neuroplasticity and how our online activities are rewiring our neural pathways. Keep reading to understand how technology affects our brains and what it means for our future.

Mingyur Rinpoche’s Brain: The Effects of Long-Term Meditation

A Tibetan yogi seen from the back meditating in the mountains illustrates the effects of long-term meditation

What does long-term meditation do to your brain? Can it really change who you are as a person? Yogi Mingyur Rinpoche’s brain scans reveal fascinating insights into the effects of long-term meditation. Scientists have found evidence of increased brain activity, improved brain health, and enhanced emotional regulation in meditation masters. Keep reading to discover how a dedicated meditation practice can lead to profound changes in your mental and emotional states.

How Internet Reading Moves Us From the Depths to the Shallows

A bearded man engaged in internet reading on a laptop at a desk with a mobile phone and a cup of coffee

Is the internet changing the way we read? How does online reading affect our ability to concentrate? Internet reading has transformed our habits and cognitive processes. Nicholas Carr explores this shift in his book The Shallows. He examines how deep reading, once encouraged by printed books, is being replaced by skimming and shallow engagement online. Read more to get Carr’s insights and discover how our digital habits are reshaping our minds and media consumption.

Meditation Research: Foundations, Mistakes, & Myths

A man in a white button-up shirt sitting at a desk thoughtfully looking at meditation research data on a computer screen

What are some of the issues with meditation research? Should we believe all the hype? Meditation research is a rapidly growing field, but it faces unique challenges. Scientists are working to understand how different forms of meditation affect the brain and behavior. They’re also trying to develop better ways to measure these effects. Let’s explore the foundations of meditation research, common misconceptions, and why it’s important to approach claims about meditation with a critical eye.

The Internet and Memory: How the Web Erodes Our Retention

A man trying to remember something with question marks over his head illustrates the link between the internet and memory

Is the internet affecting your ability to remember information? How does online reading impact your memory retention? Nicholas Carr explores the relationship between the internet and memory in his book The Shallows, explaining how the rapid pace of online content consumption can overload our mental processes. He argues that skimming text online reduces our engagement and ability to retain information. Read more to get the details of how the internet impacts our memory.

The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains (Overview)

A woman with brown hair and eyes and a concerned look holding an open book

Is the internet reshaping our brains? How might our digital habits affect our ability to concentrate and retain information? Nicholas Carr’s book The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains explores the impact of Internet use on our cognitive functions. He argues that our online activities are altering our neural pathways, potentially diminishing our capacity for deep reading and sustained focus. Keep reading to explore Carr’s insights and their implications for our daily lives.

Causes & Effects of Circadian Rhythm Disruption (Satchin Panda)

A man sleeping with his head on his desk by his laptop illustrates the effects of circadian rhythm disruption

Do you have unexplained health or sleep problems? Could your daily habits be disrupting your body’s natural rhythm? The Circadian Code, Satchin Panda warns that the effects of circadian rhythm disruption can be far-reaching and detrimental to your health. From sleep disorders to mental health issues, an off-kilter internal clock can wreak havoc on your well-being. Read on to learn about the causes and effects of circadian rhythm disruption.

Dan Siegel: Integration Is Facilitated by the Wheel Meditation

Is your brain functioning at its best? Can you easily regulate your emotions and behaviors? According to Dan Siegel, integration occurs when various regions of the brain establish effective connections and collaborate seamlessly. The Wheel meditation, a key practice in his approach, helps connect different brain regions. Read on to discover how enhancing your brain’s integration improves your overall well-being.