How social networks change our brain

Alterations among our neurons due to Facebook use? Science reveals it.

As Mercedes Sánchez, co-author of the book "El español en la red", points out, the Internet and cell phones have helped people to write more than ever before. This democratization of writing on the Internet is largely due to the emergence of social networks and instant messaging services, which are increasingly becoming part of our daily lives.

To give just one example, messages sent via messaging services WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger reach an average of 60 billion per day. This amount is equivalent to 8 messages per day on average per inhabitant of the earth, although this average will vary by country, taking into account the literacy rate and Internet penetration. This fact represents a huge change in our communication patterns and together with the use of social networks, are affecting how we use language, developing new neural connections, are affecting how we use language, developing new neural connections and changing learning patterns. and changing learning patterns.

Social networks: can they alter our brain?

One of these changes is due to the use of emoticons, which is attracting detractors and defenders in equal parts. On the one hand, it is feared that the use of these "graphic messages" impoverishes written language by using fewer words. However, this is supported by its defenders who see it as an evolution of language, claiming that it is used as a mere support element to express more feelings in less space and time.

And the fact is that the use of icons is due to the rise of written communication over the Internet. This new way of transmitting information has meant that we need elements to replace the gestures or tone of voice that are present in oral communication.

A new language, a new communication

Positive or negativeThe influence of emojis is a fact, as some studies suggest that they have the same effect as that of a real face, making our brain translate the emojis into a new language.They make our brain translate this non-verbal information into emotions. Thus, the impact of a negative message with "emojis" is less than one without them, which makes it more understandable.

On the other hand, the increasing use of social networks, of which 1and1 makes a summary of the most used, also involves alterations in our brain. Scientific studies have shown that increased use of these networks leads to a greater ability to multitask and to search for information on specific issues. However, there is a loss of analytical capacity to decide the quality of that information and to know if the sources are reliable. In addition, social networks also contribute to lower concentration and greater difficulty in reading and writing long texts.

Science detects changes in neurotransmitters

Transformations have also been detected in certain neurotransmitters (molecules that carry out the transmission of information from one neuron to another neuron, Muscle cell or gland). This could lead to more individualistic and introverted behavior, to a greater need to buy and invest, and to a greater influence of the family and the partner.

Other aspects refer to one's own health, as pointed out by different health experts, since uncontrolled use of social networks can trigger psychiatric disorders. as different addictions, as well as increasing the probability of suffering from inflammatory or auditory diseases.

Undoubtedly, the great speed with which new technologies are bursting into almost every field of our lives is transforming our society and ourselves as a race by leaps and bounds. Whether we are going in the right direction or not, time will tell, but if anything defines human beings it is their unquenchable thirst to advance and evolve, if we reject progress we reject ourselves.