networking

A leading neuroscientist warns of negative changes to the 21st century mind as a result of using social networking sites like Facebook. Changes include infantilisation, attention deficiency, selfishness, erosion of identity and an inability to empathise with others.

Interview with neuroscientist Lady Susan Greenfield, Professor of Synaptic Pharmacology at Lincoln College, Oxford and Director of the Royal Institution.

Read more here.

I agree that the environment can change the brain. I agree that social networking sites have no cohesive narrative or long-term significance and that, as a result, a brain might evolve with a shorter attention spam, craving for instant sensation (I especially like this part). But what in fact IS changing childrens brains is the environment as a whole. As for the question of "what is an interaction" and the "craving for instant sensation": I mean, common, there was no Susan Greenfield back then to warn us about the changes in our synaptic activity when the phone was invented!

I also agree that 900 facebook "friends" cannot be called friends. And that facebook represents a true menace in terms of possible addiction. But that just depends on the user. I seriously doubt that one can generalize to the entire facebook population like that.

To sum up: Facebook can be very useful (unless you spend hours feeding your virtual pet or doing quizzes that have no point) and fun. But, as with all things, it should not be used excessiveley.