Impact of Social Environment on Brain Development

The concept of brain plasticity is fundamental in understanding how our brains evolve based on experiences. Brain plasticity is the ability of the brain to change its structure and functions in response to external stimuli.

Animal Experiments on Brain Plasticity

• Experiments on newborn animals, particularly mice, have shown that depriving one eye of visual stimuli during critical development periods results in fewer neurons activating in the deprived eye.
• This demonstrates that the brain's visual cortex changes based on stimulation, leading to the conclusion that experience is crucial for neural pathway functionality.

The Role of Digital Applications in Shaping Brain Function

The increasing reliance on digital applications is significantly altering how our brains interact with the environment, potentially impairing certain cognitive abilities.

Impact on Cognitive Abilities

• Dependence on GPS reduces activity in brain areas responsible for spatial memory and navigation.
• Social media contributes to diminishing attention spans and affects social behaviors and emotional regulation.

Consequences of Digital Dependency

• The pervasive use of digital applications is linked to a decrease in mental health, prompting governments to regulate internet use among children and adolescents.
• The advent of AI and large language models risks further diminishing essential skills required for relationship building and decision-making.
• There is a growing concern about AI potentially leading to a decline in intimate relationships and cognitive capabilities.

Future Implications and Personal Reflection

• The integration of AI into daily life poses a paradox, where technologies intended to empower might instead restrict human capabilities by diminishing essential mental tasks.

Personal Measures for Preserving Humanity

• The author advocates for conscious use of digital tools, emphasizing the importance of maintaining our intrinsic human abilities.
• Practical steps include limiting social media presence and regulating internet usage to safeguard mental faculties.

It stresses the need for individual and policy-level interventions to mitigate the negative impact of technology on human cognitive development.