SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 16
Download to read offline
How is the internet changing your brain? Professor William T. O’Connor [email_address] Head of Teaching and Research in Physiology Graduate Entry Medical School  University of Limerick
THE SHALLOWS Human thought is shaped by ‘tools of the mind’ - alphabet, abacus, map, printing press, clock and computer - which reroute our neural pathways.  The printed book promotes the ethic of deep, creative thought. The internet promotes the ethic of the industrialist - speed and efficiency.  Are we sacrificing our ability to read and think deeply?
THE BRAIN’S VITAL STATISTICS Number of synapses About 100 trillion Adult weight Adult size Number of neurons About 100 billion neurons
PATHWAY FOR SENSATION AND REACTION The Five Senses Sight  Hearing  Touch Smell Taste   ACTION PERCEPTION
NEURON STRUCTURE & IMPULSE FLOW Dentrite Soma Axon Terminal NEUROTRANSMITTER RECEPTOR
THERE ARE 5000 SYNAPSES IN THE WIDTH OF A HAIR
THE BRAIN IS SHAPED BY THE ENVIRONMENT Enriched enviornment Deprived environment Credit:  NYU Langone Medical Center Filled arrowheads  - new spines formed during the first 2 days Open arrowheads  – spines on day 0 - eliminated over next 7 days
Enriched enviornment Deprived environment Credit:  NYU Langone Medical Center OUR BRAINS CHANGE IN RESPONSE TO OUR EXPERIENCES = Challenge   = Monotony, isolation,  low expectations.
The visual cortex (red)   located in the back of the head responds to the image of the bell. The auditory cortex (blue)  responds to the sound of the bell.  REWIRING THE HEARING IMPAIRED BRAIN  The superior temporal sulcus (green)   integrates auditory and visual information.
REWIRING YOUR BRAIN TO DECREASE PAIN Mirror therapy uses your vision to “see” normal movement and reassure your brain that it no longer needs to produce pain signals.
VIRTUAL REALITY TACKLES 'SHELL SHOCK' Enables veterans suffering from  post traumatic stress disorder  (PTSD) to  revisit their trauma in order to become desensitized to it.  www.boingboing.net/.../virtual-iraq-for-tra.html
CYBERTHERAPY FOR ADDICTION Scientific American Magazine, October 2010
http://williamoconnor.wordpress.com/
VIRTUAL REALITY IN ENTREPENEURIAL EDUCATION Kemmy Business School Trading Floor
  "I am neither especially clever nor especially gifted. I am only very, very curious."   -Albert Einstein
Discussion & Questions

More Related Content

Similar to Is the Internet Changing Your Brain?

Optic Nerve Construction
Optic Nerve ConstructionOptic Nerve Construction
Optic Nerve ConstructionAnita Strong
 
Cranial Nerve # 7: Facial Nerve
Cranial Nerve # 7: Facial NerveCranial Nerve # 7: Facial Nerve
Cranial Nerve # 7: Facial NerveHinrichsenGrimes54
 
Puzzle Of Dreams Research Paper
Puzzle Of Dreams Research PaperPuzzle Of Dreams Research Paper
Puzzle Of Dreams Research PaperJennifer Lopez
 
Taking A Closer Lookt At Our Auditory System Essays
Taking A Closer Lookt At Our Auditory System EssaysTaking A Closer Lookt At Our Auditory System Essays
Taking A Closer Lookt At Our Auditory System EssaysLauren Heard
 
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)Jennifer Moore
 
Book Report On Shadows Bright As Glass
Book Report On Shadows Bright As GlassBook Report On Shadows Bright As Glass
Book Report On Shadows Bright As GlassSasha Jones
 
Using the Mind To Change the Brain: Talks @Google - Rick Hanson, PhD
 Using the Mind To Change the Brain: Talks @Google - Rick Hanson, PhD Using the Mind To Change the Brain: Talks @Google - Rick Hanson, PhD
Using the Mind To Change the Brain: Talks @Google - Rick Hanson, PhDRick Hanson
 
Skeletal Muscle Movement Case Study
Skeletal Muscle Movement Case StudySkeletal Muscle Movement Case Study
Skeletal Muscle Movement Case StudyErika Nelson
 
Cochlear response to auditory inputs
Cochlear response to auditory inputsCochlear response to auditory inputs
Cochlear response to auditory inputsLynn Royer
 
Somatosensory System Essay
Somatosensory System EssaySomatosensory System Essay
Somatosensory System EssayJen Williams
 
Four Types Of Tissue Research
Four Types Of Tissue ResearchFour Types Of Tissue Research
Four Types Of Tissue ResearchSarah Davis
 
Cross-Modal Plasticity Essay
Cross-Modal Plasticity EssayCross-Modal Plasticity Essay
Cross-Modal Plasticity EssayLana Stefanich
 
PSYCH1_Chapter6_SensationAndPerception_Group4 (1).pptx
PSYCH1_Chapter6_SensationAndPerception_Group4 (1).pptxPSYCH1_Chapter6_SensationAndPerception_Group4 (1).pptx
PSYCH1_Chapter6_SensationAndPerception_Group4 (1).pptxJannaAndreaGeneralo
 
Train The Brain Therapeutic Interventions for APD and other Brain Disorders
Train The Brain Therapeutic Interventions for APD and other Brain DisordersTrain The Brain Therapeutic Interventions for APD and other Brain Disorders
Train The Brain Therapeutic Interventions for APD and other Brain DisordersLorraine Sgarlato
 
A Better Understanding Of Glaucoma
A Better Understanding Of GlaucomaA Better Understanding Of Glaucoma
A Better Understanding Of GlaucomaKimberly Jones
 

Similar to Is the Internet Changing Your Brain? (20)

Optic Nerve Construction
Optic Nerve ConstructionOptic Nerve Construction
Optic Nerve Construction
 
Cranial Nerve # 7: Facial Nerve
Cranial Nerve # 7: Facial NerveCranial Nerve # 7: Facial Nerve
Cranial Nerve # 7: Facial Nerve
 
Puzzle Of Dreams Research Paper
Puzzle Of Dreams Research PaperPuzzle Of Dreams Research Paper
Puzzle Of Dreams Research Paper
 
Taking A Closer Lookt At Our Auditory System Essays
Taking A Closer Lookt At Our Auditory System EssaysTaking A Closer Lookt At Our Auditory System Essays
Taking A Closer Lookt At Our Auditory System Essays
 
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
 
Physics Project
Physics ProjectPhysics Project
Physics Project
 
Book Report On Shadows Bright As Glass
Book Report On Shadows Bright As GlassBook Report On Shadows Bright As Glass
Book Report On Shadows Bright As Glass
 
Using the Mind To Change the Brain: Talks @Google - Rick Hanson, PhD
 Using the Mind To Change the Brain: Talks @Google - Rick Hanson, PhD Using the Mind To Change the Brain: Talks @Google - Rick Hanson, PhD
Using the Mind To Change the Brain: Talks @Google - Rick Hanson, PhD
 
Skeletal Muscle Movement Case Study
Skeletal Muscle Movement Case StudySkeletal Muscle Movement Case Study
Skeletal Muscle Movement Case Study
 
Cochlear response to auditory inputs
Cochlear response to auditory inputsCochlear response to auditory inputs
Cochlear response to auditory inputs
 
Neuromarketing
NeuromarketingNeuromarketing
Neuromarketing
 
The Cell Body
The Cell BodyThe Cell Body
The Cell Body
 
Somatosensory System Essay
Somatosensory System EssaySomatosensory System Essay
Somatosensory System Essay
 
Four Types Of Tissue Research
Four Types Of Tissue ResearchFour Types Of Tissue Research
Four Types Of Tissue Research
 
Cross-Modal Plasticity Essay
Cross-Modal Plasticity EssayCross-Modal Plasticity Essay
Cross-Modal Plasticity Essay
 
PSYCH1_Chapter6_SensationAndPerception_Group4 (1).pptx
PSYCH1_Chapter6_SensationAndPerception_Group4 (1).pptxPSYCH1_Chapter6_SensationAndPerception_Group4 (1).pptx
PSYCH1_Chapter6_SensationAndPerception_Group4 (1).pptx
 
What Is The Babbini Reflex
What Is The Babbini ReflexWhat Is The Babbini Reflex
What Is The Babbini Reflex
 
2nd Health Bulletin
2nd Health Bulletin2nd Health Bulletin
2nd Health Bulletin
 
Train The Brain Therapeutic Interventions for APD and other Brain Disorders
Train The Brain Therapeutic Interventions for APD and other Brain DisordersTrain The Brain Therapeutic Interventions for APD and other Brain Disorders
Train The Brain Therapeutic Interventions for APD and other Brain Disorders
 
A Better Understanding Of Glaucoma
A Better Understanding Of GlaucomaA Better Understanding Of Glaucoma
A Better Understanding Of Glaucoma
 

Recently uploaded

PHARMACOGNOSY CHAPTER NO 5 CARMINATIVES AND G.pdf
PHARMACOGNOSY CHAPTER NO 5 CARMINATIVES AND G.pdfPHARMACOGNOSY CHAPTER NO 5 CARMINATIVES AND G.pdf
PHARMACOGNOSY CHAPTER NO 5 CARMINATIVES AND G.pdfSumit Tiwari
 
How to Customise Quotation's Appearance Using PDF Quote Builder in Odoo 17
How to Customise Quotation's Appearance Using PDF Quote Builder in Odoo 17How to Customise Quotation's Appearance Using PDF Quote Builder in Odoo 17
How to Customise Quotation's Appearance Using PDF Quote Builder in Odoo 17Celine George
 
BBA 205 BE UNIT 2 economic systems prof dr kanchan.pptx
BBA 205 BE UNIT 2 economic systems prof dr kanchan.pptxBBA 205 BE UNIT 2 economic systems prof dr kanchan.pptx
BBA 205 BE UNIT 2 economic systems prof dr kanchan.pptxProf. Kanchan Kumari
 
POST ENCEPHALITIS case study Jitendra bhargav
POST ENCEPHALITIS case study  Jitendra bhargavPOST ENCEPHALITIS case study  Jitendra bhargav
POST ENCEPHALITIS case study Jitendra bhargavJitendra Bhargav
 
Auchitya Theory by Kshemendra Indian Poetics
Auchitya Theory by Kshemendra Indian PoeticsAuchitya Theory by Kshemendra Indian Poetics
Auchitya Theory by Kshemendra Indian PoeticsDhatriParmar
 
3.14.24 Gender Discrimination and Gender Inequity.pptx
3.14.24 Gender Discrimination and Gender Inequity.pptx3.14.24 Gender Discrimination and Gender Inequity.pptx
3.14.24 Gender Discrimination and Gender Inequity.pptxmary850239
 
Metabolism , Metabolic Fate& disorders of cholesterol.pptx
Metabolism , Metabolic Fate& disorders of cholesterol.pptxMetabolism , Metabolic Fate& disorders of cholesterol.pptx
Metabolism , Metabolic Fate& disorders of cholesterol.pptxDr. Santhosh Kumar. N
 
3.14.24 The Selma March and the Voting Rights Act.pptx
3.14.24 The Selma March and the Voting Rights Act.pptx3.14.24 The Selma March and the Voting Rights Act.pptx
3.14.24 The Selma March and the Voting Rights Act.pptxmary850239
 
Pharmacology chapter No 7 full notes.pdf
Pharmacology chapter No 7 full notes.pdfPharmacology chapter No 7 full notes.pdf
Pharmacology chapter No 7 full notes.pdfSumit Tiwari
 
Plant Tissue culture., Plasticity, Totipotency, pptx
Plant Tissue culture., Plasticity, Totipotency, pptxPlant Tissue culture., Plasticity, Totipotency, pptx
Plant Tissue culture., Plasticity, Totipotency, pptxHimansu10
 
DNA and RNA , Structure, Functions, Types, difference, Similarities, Protein ...
DNA and RNA , Structure, Functions, Types, difference, Similarities, Protein ...DNA and RNA , Structure, Functions, Types, difference, Similarities, Protein ...
DNA and RNA , Structure, Functions, Types, difference, Similarities, Protein ...AKSHAYMAGAR17
 
VIT336 – Recommender System - Unit 3.pdf
VIT336 – Recommender System - Unit 3.pdfVIT336 – Recommender System - Unit 3.pdf
VIT336 – Recommender System - Unit 3.pdfArthyR3
 
2024.03.16 How to write better quality materials for your learners ELTABB San...
2024.03.16 How to write better quality materials for your learners ELTABB San...2024.03.16 How to write better quality materials for your learners ELTABB San...
2024.03.16 How to write better quality materials for your learners ELTABB San...Sandy Millin
 
The First National K12 TUG March 6 2024.pdf
The First National K12 TUG March 6 2024.pdfThe First National K12 TUG March 6 2024.pdf
The First National K12 TUG March 6 2024.pdfdogden2
 
AUDIENCE THEORY - PARTICIPATORY - JENKINS.pptx
AUDIENCE THEORY - PARTICIPATORY - JENKINS.pptxAUDIENCE THEORY - PARTICIPATORY - JENKINS.pptx
AUDIENCE THEORY - PARTICIPATORY - JENKINS.pptxiammrhaywood
 
Alamkara theory by Bhamaha Indian Poetics (1).pptx
Alamkara theory by Bhamaha Indian Poetics (1).pptxAlamkara theory by Bhamaha Indian Poetics (1).pptx
Alamkara theory by Bhamaha Indian Poetics (1).pptxDhatriParmar
 
LEAD5623 The Economics of Community Coll
LEAD5623 The Economics of Community CollLEAD5623 The Economics of Community Coll
LEAD5623 The Economics of Community CollDr. Bruce A. Johnson
 
The OERs: Transforming Education for Sustainable Future by Dr. Sarita Anand
The OERs: Transforming Education for Sustainable Future by Dr. Sarita AnandThe OERs: Transforming Education for Sustainable Future by Dr. Sarita Anand
The OERs: Transforming Education for Sustainable Future by Dr. Sarita AnandDr. Sarita Anand
 
THYROID HORMONE.pptx by Subham Panja,Asst. Professor, Department of B.Sc MLT,...
THYROID HORMONE.pptx by Subham Panja,Asst. Professor, Department of B.Sc MLT,...THYROID HORMONE.pptx by Subham Panja,Asst. Professor, Department of B.Sc MLT,...
THYROID HORMONE.pptx by Subham Panja,Asst. Professor, Department of B.Sc MLT,...Subham Panja
 

Recently uploaded (20)

PHARMACOGNOSY CHAPTER NO 5 CARMINATIVES AND G.pdf
PHARMACOGNOSY CHAPTER NO 5 CARMINATIVES AND G.pdfPHARMACOGNOSY CHAPTER NO 5 CARMINATIVES AND G.pdf
PHARMACOGNOSY CHAPTER NO 5 CARMINATIVES AND G.pdf
 
How to Customise Quotation's Appearance Using PDF Quote Builder in Odoo 17
How to Customise Quotation's Appearance Using PDF Quote Builder in Odoo 17How to Customise Quotation's Appearance Using PDF Quote Builder in Odoo 17
How to Customise Quotation's Appearance Using PDF Quote Builder in Odoo 17
 
BBA 205 BE UNIT 2 economic systems prof dr kanchan.pptx
BBA 205 BE UNIT 2 economic systems prof dr kanchan.pptxBBA 205 BE UNIT 2 economic systems prof dr kanchan.pptx
BBA 205 BE UNIT 2 economic systems prof dr kanchan.pptx
 
POST ENCEPHALITIS case study Jitendra bhargav
POST ENCEPHALITIS case study  Jitendra bhargavPOST ENCEPHALITIS case study  Jitendra bhargav
POST ENCEPHALITIS case study Jitendra bhargav
 
Problems on Mean,Mode,Median Standard Deviation
Problems on Mean,Mode,Median Standard DeviationProblems on Mean,Mode,Median Standard Deviation
Problems on Mean,Mode,Median Standard Deviation
 
Auchitya Theory by Kshemendra Indian Poetics
Auchitya Theory by Kshemendra Indian PoeticsAuchitya Theory by Kshemendra Indian Poetics
Auchitya Theory by Kshemendra Indian Poetics
 
3.14.24 Gender Discrimination and Gender Inequity.pptx
3.14.24 Gender Discrimination and Gender Inequity.pptx3.14.24 Gender Discrimination and Gender Inequity.pptx
3.14.24 Gender Discrimination and Gender Inequity.pptx
 
Metabolism , Metabolic Fate& disorders of cholesterol.pptx
Metabolism , Metabolic Fate& disorders of cholesterol.pptxMetabolism , Metabolic Fate& disorders of cholesterol.pptx
Metabolism , Metabolic Fate& disorders of cholesterol.pptx
 
3.14.24 The Selma March and the Voting Rights Act.pptx
3.14.24 The Selma March and the Voting Rights Act.pptx3.14.24 The Selma March and the Voting Rights Act.pptx
3.14.24 The Selma March and the Voting Rights Act.pptx
 
Pharmacology chapter No 7 full notes.pdf
Pharmacology chapter No 7 full notes.pdfPharmacology chapter No 7 full notes.pdf
Pharmacology chapter No 7 full notes.pdf
 
Plant Tissue culture., Plasticity, Totipotency, pptx
Plant Tissue culture., Plasticity, Totipotency, pptxPlant Tissue culture., Plasticity, Totipotency, pptx
Plant Tissue culture., Plasticity, Totipotency, pptx
 
DNA and RNA , Structure, Functions, Types, difference, Similarities, Protein ...
DNA and RNA , Structure, Functions, Types, difference, Similarities, Protein ...DNA and RNA , Structure, Functions, Types, difference, Similarities, Protein ...
DNA and RNA , Structure, Functions, Types, difference, Similarities, Protein ...
 
VIT336 – Recommender System - Unit 3.pdf
VIT336 – Recommender System - Unit 3.pdfVIT336 – Recommender System - Unit 3.pdf
VIT336 – Recommender System - Unit 3.pdf
 
2024.03.16 How to write better quality materials for your learners ELTABB San...
2024.03.16 How to write better quality materials for your learners ELTABB San...2024.03.16 How to write better quality materials for your learners ELTABB San...
2024.03.16 How to write better quality materials for your learners ELTABB San...
 
The First National K12 TUG March 6 2024.pdf
The First National K12 TUG March 6 2024.pdfThe First National K12 TUG March 6 2024.pdf
The First National K12 TUG March 6 2024.pdf
 
AUDIENCE THEORY - PARTICIPATORY - JENKINS.pptx
AUDIENCE THEORY - PARTICIPATORY - JENKINS.pptxAUDIENCE THEORY - PARTICIPATORY - JENKINS.pptx
AUDIENCE THEORY - PARTICIPATORY - JENKINS.pptx
 
Alamkara theory by Bhamaha Indian Poetics (1).pptx
Alamkara theory by Bhamaha Indian Poetics (1).pptxAlamkara theory by Bhamaha Indian Poetics (1).pptx
Alamkara theory by Bhamaha Indian Poetics (1).pptx
 
LEAD5623 The Economics of Community Coll
LEAD5623 The Economics of Community CollLEAD5623 The Economics of Community Coll
LEAD5623 The Economics of Community Coll
 
The OERs: Transforming Education for Sustainable Future by Dr. Sarita Anand
The OERs: Transforming Education for Sustainable Future by Dr. Sarita AnandThe OERs: Transforming Education for Sustainable Future by Dr. Sarita Anand
The OERs: Transforming Education for Sustainable Future by Dr. Sarita Anand
 
THYROID HORMONE.pptx by Subham Panja,Asst. Professor, Department of B.Sc MLT,...
THYROID HORMONE.pptx by Subham Panja,Asst. Professor, Department of B.Sc MLT,...THYROID HORMONE.pptx by Subham Panja,Asst. Professor, Department of B.Sc MLT,...
THYROID HORMONE.pptx by Subham Panja,Asst. Professor, Department of B.Sc MLT,...
 

Is the Internet Changing Your Brain?

  • 1. How is the internet changing your brain? Professor William T. O’Connor [email_address] Head of Teaching and Research in Physiology Graduate Entry Medical School University of Limerick
  • 2. THE SHALLOWS Human thought is shaped by ‘tools of the mind’ - alphabet, abacus, map, printing press, clock and computer - which reroute our neural pathways. The printed book promotes the ethic of deep, creative thought. The internet promotes the ethic of the industrialist - speed and efficiency. Are we sacrificing our ability to read and think deeply?
  • 3. THE BRAIN’S VITAL STATISTICS Number of synapses About 100 trillion Adult weight Adult size Number of neurons About 100 billion neurons
  • 4. PATHWAY FOR SENSATION AND REACTION The Five Senses Sight Hearing Touch Smell Taste ACTION PERCEPTION
  • 5. NEURON STRUCTURE & IMPULSE FLOW Dentrite Soma Axon Terminal NEUROTRANSMITTER RECEPTOR
  • 6. THERE ARE 5000 SYNAPSES IN THE WIDTH OF A HAIR
  • 7. THE BRAIN IS SHAPED BY THE ENVIRONMENT Enriched enviornment Deprived environment Credit: NYU Langone Medical Center Filled arrowheads - new spines formed during the first 2 days Open arrowheads – spines on day 0 - eliminated over next 7 days
  • 8. Enriched enviornment Deprived environment Credit: NYU Langone Medical Center OUR BRAINS CHANGE IN RESPONSE TO OUR EXPERIENCES = Challenge = Monotony, isolation, low expectations.
  • 9. The visual cortex (red) located in the back of the head responds to the image of the bell. The auditory cortex (blue) responds to the sound of the bell. REWIRING THE HEARING IMPAIRED BRAIN The superior temporal sulcus (green) integrates auditory and visual information.
  • 10. REWIRING YOUR BRAIN TO DECREASE PAIN Mirror therapy uses your vision to “see” normal movement and reassure your brain that it no longer needs to produce pain signals.
  • 11. VIRTUAL REALITY TACKLES 'SHELL SHOCK' Enables veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to revisit their trauma in order to become desensitized to it. www.boingboing.net/.../virtual-iraq-for-tra.html
  • 12. CYBERTHERAPY FOR ADDICTION Scientific American Magazine, October 2010
  • 14. VIRTUAL REALITY IN ENTREPENEURIAL EDUCATION Kemmy Business School Trading Floor
  • 15.   "I am neither especially clever nor especially gifted. I am only very, very curious." -Albert Einstein