Constant information may lead to 'brain overload'
In a world of rolling news and constant information updates, scientists fear that it is causing extra stress on the brain, reports The Times.
Two new studies have suggested that the constant flood of information may result in brains blocking the development of wisdom – traits such as empathy, tolerance, emotional stability and compassion, and we become ‘ethically numb’.
With the amount of information consumed increasing each year – the amount of time people spend on line went up by nearly a quarter from 2006 to 2007, it’s feared that the brain may reach saturation point, and begin to shut down.
Professor Dilip Jeste, the author of one of the studies said: “Psychosocially positive behaviours such as admiration and indignation are more work for the brain than basic emotions such as pain response.
“Constant bombardment by outside high-intensity stimuli is not likely be healthy. It may prevent people from having an opportunity to digest the information, match it with culturally resonant reactions and then execute well-considered behavioural responses.”
