News for a Synergic Earth: "For middle aged and older people at least, using the internet helps boost brain power, research suggests.A University of California Los Angeles team found searching the web stimulates centres in the brain that control decision-making and complex reasoning. The researchers say this might even help to counter-act the age-related physiological changes that cause the brain to slow down. The study features in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.Lead researcher Professor Gary Small said: 'The study results are encouraging, that emerging computerized technologies may have physiological effects and potential benefits for middle-aged and older adults. Internet searching engages complicated brain activity, which may help exercise and improve brain function.'"
And why should this be? I think it is because most internet apps, google included, are so hopelessly broken that to do even the simplest task is a constant challenge of "What do you suppose the programmer intended here?" and other opaque black-box puzzles that make the New York Times Crossword seem like a walk in the park!