Nicholas Carr has written a book that discusses the impact of changes in how we receive info in the digital age.
The core theme is a discussion of the effect of reading documents on line on our brain. The central idea confirms the concept of the adaptive ability of the brain to re-wire itself in response to altered processing demands.
The changing images on an internet page reduces our ability to concentrate, recall and think deeply. Studies show that we retain much less when we read information in a web format, or when viewed in a PowerPoint presentation.
The change in brain processing has a lasting effect on our brain function. The results are poor problem solving and superficial thought.
Unfortunately our brains are changing in their makeup, and it will take a marked effort to "rewire" them back to deep thinking and good recall. The neurologic connections are being remade. As yet no-one has done any work to determine how much is required to remap the brain connections so that deep contemplative thought is possible again.
