Thinking Digital: The Cognitive and Neurological Effects of Computer Interaction and their Impact on Society

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2011
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Haverford College. Department of Psychology
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Thesis
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eng
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Haverford users only
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Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to examine the previous research on how computer interaction in the digital age has affected users' cognition and neural circuitry, and to show how these changes are affecting contemporary society as technology continues to progress. The literature suggests that due to synaptic plasticity, computer interaction may be responsible for visual improvements, increased working memory capacity, potentially harmful changes in reading style, and relatively inefficient learning methods. However, as modern society continues to move forward and technology continues to improve, it is likely that as these benefits improve users' digital efficiency, the detriments will be naturally avoided. Thus, it is concluded that while many may fear the negative neurological consequences of computer interaction, the common synaptic adjustments fostered by the digital age will ultimately be more helpful than harmful.
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