One of the most evident things that can be observed nowadays is that the Internet has a considerable impact on people, the development of relations, the ways of how information is exchanged, etc. However, people are not always sure if the Internet has enough powers to change the way of how a human brain works. For example, the BBC’s author, Tom Stafford admits that everything can change the brain, and the Internet rewiring it as well.
Many researchers want to find out if the Internet has a negative or positive impact on the brain, some people are eager to share their opinions, and writers try to gather as many interesting points of view as possible and introduce a clear picture.
The current achievements in the sphere of science and psychology show that the Internet influences people’s way of thinking, understanding information, and even the possibility to store information for a long period of time: people become more forgetful but can generate information better, lose the required portion of concentration but have high IQ results.
The current paper aims at discussing these controversies not to identify the quality of impact the Internet may have on the human brain but to understand how the Internet can influence people and their abilities to survive in a new technologically developed world.
Why People Use the Internet
Before asking the question about how the Internet can influence the brain, it is necessary to identify why people continue using it even if they know or, at least, guess about some threats. One of the goals people want to achieve is to get more time for living and deprive themselves of the necessity to do simple things like making notes, writing letters, searching for information at libraries, etc.
The Internet is a good chance to store and share information, search for the facts and answers in a short period of time, and observe the changes that take place globally. The Internet provides people with an opportunity to practice certain things the same way TV or reading does. People want to know more, that is why they try to use different options to achieve their goal.
The Internet cannot be regarded by people as a threat. It is a helpful tool that should be used. However, it is enough to deprive people of the Internet for a certain period of time to observe how dependent people and their actions on the Internet are. It means that human brain, as well as a person, depends on the Internet.
Challenges between the Internet and People
One of the most provocative things is the impossibility to feel the condition of the human brain. The brain that is packed neatly in the skull (that is a symbolic bone-crate) cannot send a sensory signal to a person. It is hard to realise if the brain can feel changes and demonstrate the appropriate reactions. At the same time, people know a lot about the effects brain has on a human organism. That is why the reactions that can be observed in a person can serve as the explanation of the changes that can happen in the brain.
For example, the observations show that people start forgetting more using the opportunities of the Internet. The human brain does not find it necessary to remember information. It is evident that people do not want to remember as much information as possible if they know that they can use the Internet and find the required piece in a short period of time.
Long-term memory of people who do not use the Internet from their childhood may be not under threat. However, if the first memories are connected to the Internet, it is possible that not only short-term memory can be under threat. At the same time, the Internet itself does not make people use it. People themselves make decisions and invite the Internet to their lives. Is it possible that the human brain creates something that can damage it? Gregoire, Stafford, and Harris say “Yes” in their articles. They rely on the works of successful scientists and researchers to prove that the Internet does change the human brain, but these changes turn out to be abstract.
To Support or Disregard the Internet
It is stated that the Internet continues supporting the ideas of innovations, opportunities, and growth in different spheres of life. It means that no terrible impacts of the Internet on the human brain can be observed. Still, it is impossible to neglect the fact that the Internet continues promoting changes, and people need to know the nature of such changes.
The Internet is the source of mixed information: people can enter Facebook, listen to the music, watch pictures, and communicate. The brain has to be ready to be adapted to different sources of information and perceive it at the necessary level. That is why it is hard to pay full attention to all tasks complete only. The Internet is also the possibility to use Google and find any kind of information. Current students should not waste their brains memorising different historical facts and dates. They can use Google and find the necessary answer quickly. It means that the Internet helps to facilitate the work of brain and does not overload it.
The list of the chosen topic’s contradictions is far from over. On the one hand, the Internet helps the brain to search information and understand the worth of abstract information. On the other hand, the possibility to use the Internet substitutes any other types of work (e.g. visiting libraries and reading the books, visiting museums and observing the historical artifacts, etc.). People lose the connection between what is material and what is abstract and make themselves weak in regards to the necessity to use evidence to prove their points of view.
Finally, from a purely observational point of view, it is possible to suggest that the use of the Internet reduces the necessity of physical activities. People do not need to walk and search for answers. People may not even leave their beds and earn money. At the same time, the human brain works perfectly. It means that the brain can be better trained with the help of the Internet at the expense of the body activities. The only parts of a human body that can move are the eyes and hands.
Conclusion
In general, the Internet may positively influence the human brain and the possibility to comprehend and evaluate information. Still, people should understand that their brain cannot exist for a long time if the body gets worse. That is why the Internet should not be used as an absolute substitution of various physical activities and changes. The Internet is just a source of information created by and for people.
Reference List
Carr, N 2010, The Shallows: how the internet is changing the way we think, read and remember, Atlantic Books, London.
Easton, T 2011, Taking sides: clashing views in science, technology and society, McGraw Hill, Dubuque, Iowa.
The differences between a human being and a computer can be partly explained by looking at their reaction to an external stimulus. First of all, a computer can process information from external environment only according the predetermined patterns or algorithms. In contrast, a human being can freely choose various ways or strategies of analyzing a stimulus. This is the main reasons why people are capable of independent decisions, but one cannot say the same thing about computers.
Furthermore, one should note that humans’ reaction to a stimulus is affected by their previous experience. In particular, a person can change his/her behavior if it was not successful in the past. This ability is the basis of human learning. Currently, researchers attempt to develop the algorithms for machine learning.
For instance, one can mention such a program like Deep Blue that can adjust its strategies depending upon the moves of a chess player. Nevertheless, computers are very limited in their ability to change their behavior or strategies.
Finally, one should note that humans are able to act irrationally. For instance, people can be influenced by their unique biases, prejudices, or opinions that can hardly be explained or justified through reasoning (Edgar, 2003, p. 452). This is why humans can respond to a stimulus in an unexpected way. In contrast, computers lack this ability. Certainly, irrational behavior of an individual is not always beneficial; however, this is an inherent quality of a human being.
Thus, some of the capabilities possessed by a human being cannot be easily replicated in machines. In particular, one can speak about such aspects as freedom of choice, ability to adapt one’s behavior, and irrationality. At the present moment, computer scientists attempt to address these limitations, but one cannot say to what extent their efforts will be successful.
What can computers do that humans cannot?
There are several things that computers can do more effectively than humans. In this case, one can speak about specific tasks that are performed according to certain patterns (Stillings, Weisler, & Chase, 1995, p. 41). Moreover, these patterns have to be accurately described. For instance, one can mention that computers can easily add, subtract, multiply, or divide numbers that may include thousands of digits. Theoretically, people can also cope with these activities, but it may take them an excessive amount of time.
Additionally, computers can better record and analyze external stimuli to which they are exposed. For example, these technologies can be used by meteorologists who have to analyze numerous data sets. These professionals rely on the ability of information technologies to retain and examine gigabytes of quantitative information that is needed to forecast weather. Again, this activity can be very time-consuming, if humans decide not to rely on computers.
Furthermore, machines can be much better at evaluating different options within a very short time. To demonstrate this point, one can refer to chess computers that can assess millions of moves within a minute.
Thus, computers are much better at doing tasks that follow a certain pattern or logic. With the help of algorithms, machines can perform various activities much quicker than human beings. Nevertheless, information technologies can be effective only in those cases, if a certain activity can be described as a regular set of steps.
Reference List
Edgar, S. (2003). Morality and Machines: Perspectives on Computer Ethics: Perspectives on Computer Ethics. New York: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Stillings, N., Weisler, S., & Chase, C. (1995). Cognitive Science: An Introduction. Cambridge: MIT Press.
Technological development has transformed society by making information the basis for various areas of human activity, increasing the importance of its creation and dissemination. The availability of different information due to digitalization significantly impacts individuals – not only their actions but also their personal life, socialization, health, and other aspects. Digitalization leads to the decline of specific skills like impairments and delayed gratification, which are more related to the human brain. On the positive side, it results in the improvement of other abilities, such as strategy development. Societies have benefited positively from technological enhancements; however, it has its effects on the population in constant use. The research paper aims to identify technology’s positive and negative impact on human well-being. It seeks to answer questions like how it impacts the human brain and what are its benefits and drawbacks. Since digitalization has increased the flow of information that a person receives daily, it is crucial to consider the impact on human brain functioning. The use of technology has increased rapidly, causing major impacts on the brain due to the constant interaction with machines.
Digitalization of Society
The amount of information surrounding people increases exponentially, and its impact is contradictory. On the one hand, information exchange and digital communication provide solutions to many problems. They make communication at long distances easier or promote scientific discoveries through global findings exchange. In the contemporary world, digitalization has been so beneficial. It fosters innovation and creativity as part and parcel of our day-to-day living (Bejinaru, 2019). Positive consequences can be seen around; data can now be processed and sent in milliseconds. Humans are currently working hand in hand with machines making the work much faster and more efficient (Bikalenko et al., 2021). Modernization of society has emerged as one of the most critical issues in the modern world. Digital artifacts and online practices have penetrated a significant portion of social, organizational, and economic activities (Bejinaru, 2019). As a result, the barriers limiting individual development in innovation and problem-solving to address societal challenges are eradicated. Automation has spread widely and, to date, significantly impacted human activity.
Technology Spread
The negative impact of digitalization and the scale of changes in daily life they have brought attract more public attention. In particular, about 59% of the world’s population uses the internet and, on average, spends more than six and a half hours online (Hoehe & Thibaut, 2020). This time spent with computers scares society and makes them pay attention to the harm caused. Globalization plays a vital role in the spread of machinery and knowledge across borders. Automation has made the world more integrated, making the transfer of information faster and through various channels. Emerging markets have adopted the use of current innovations to boost their productivity. Machinery enhancements improve incomes and living standards worldwide (Vedechkina & Borgonovi, 2021). Global growth heavily relies on how robotics spreads across nations.
Developed states spread their innovations to non-developed ones, thus promoting technological diffusion. With globalization as the key factor facilitating the spread, all individuals can benefit from recent developments. It results in the experience of both the negative and positive consequences of adopting modern changes. Mechanization has altered how we conduct our daily activities and revolutionized our ways of life (Limone & Toto, 2021). Currently, over two million smartphones are sold globally in a single day. Active web users are rising worldwide; they stand at 3.2 billion and are estimated to continue increasing (Sweller, 2020). Multifunctional devices like smartphones have been innovated; they can be used to perform several tasks. The gadgets have proved their significance in helping man undertake his day-to-day deeds. With smartphones, one can access any information without limitations using search engines like Google or Bing.
Digitalization’s Impact on Human Activity
Human beings have been impacted by digitalization both negatively and positively. Our lives have been reshaped mainly during the Covid-19 pandemic when online transactions were highly recommended. Human activity has been affected in several ways, the unemployment number has been reduced, quality of life improved, and access to public services has been made much more manageable (Small et al., 2020). In the business industry, digital technologies have increased efficiency by making work easier. The manufacturing process has been improved through automation, thus making it much faster and cost-effective. As a result of the rapid innovations experienced, humans have witnessed changes in their cognitive, axiological, communicative, and mental realms (Limone & Toto, 2021). The rise of associated problems occurs just as globalization increases. The main effect caused by globalization on all human activities is the decrease in the cost of manufacturing. As a result, products are offered at a much lower price.
Technology has made positive contributions worldwide but has also negatively impacted human activity. There is a variety of evidence suggesting the effects of globalization and its overreliance and use. Mobile phones and social media have resulted in the experience of physical and psychological problems like difficulty in focusing and eyestrains (Limone & Toto, 2021). It tends to develop lazy individuals who rely heavily on it and cannot engage in the use of problem-solving skills. Internet addiction has its consequences, mainly affecting teenagers and growing children (Refer to Figure 1). Physical issues likely to be adopted include eyestrain, poor posture, sleep issues, and reduced physical activity (Ruiz-Ruano García & Puga, 2020). The common psychological effects likely to be developed include isolation, depression, and anxiety (Small et al., 2020). An individual with such problems is expected to be unproductive and would build brain issues.
Impact on the Human Brain
The possibility of both favorable and harmful effects on the brain of various activities in the information society can be significant for the younger generation. Their cognitive abilities are formed under the influence of external factors, and the features of the information and technologies used can improve or interfere with this process (Firth et al., 2019). Many researchers, such as Lime and Toto (2021) or Vedechkina and Borgonovi (2021), draw attention that the impact can be beneficial and harmful. For example, such negative consequences as reduced focus, risk of dependence on technology, impaired social and emotional intelligence, slower cognitive and brain development, social isolation, and sleep disorders can be highlighted (Small et al., 2020). However, the effect can be positive with careful technology and information selection. For example, neural activation of circuits responsible for decision-making, improved memory, cognition, multitasking skills, and response speed are possible (Small et al., 2020). These facts indicate the importance of responsible use of technology and consumption of information.
Digitalization’s Effect on Brain Functioning
The overuse of electrical gadgets like computers, tablets, and smartphones adversely affects brain functions such as cognition, language, and visual perception. It results in the creation of structural changes in the brain primarily focus. Over 4.7 billion people use the internet, with the majority spending much of their time online (Firth et al., 2019). They, in turn, overload their brains by providing various information to be processed. According to Sweller (2020), increasing the amount of data creates an overload for the human brain since its cognitive abilities are limited at specific levels of information processing (Ruiz-Ruano García & Puga, 2020). Moreover, the risk of obtaining false and contradictory information is constantly increasing, destabilizing perception (Ruiz-Ruano García & Puga, 2020). Such influence modifies the features of brain functioning, and it is necessary to study change’s potential benefits and disadvantages.
The brain’s cognitive performance gets affected due to the frequent destructions presented by the internet. As a result, individuals cannot realize their abilities and optimize their emotional, behavioral, and psychological functioning to cope with life situations. For example, there were concerns about mental disorders, in particular, an increase in the number of cases of depression, anxiety, and suicide (Hoehe & Thibaut, 2020). However, Hoehe and Thibaut (2020) note that technologies should not be characterized as bad or good since the effect depends on who uses them and how. As a result, the study of digitalization’s impact on the brain should also consider this human factor. Human brains crave additional information; it is upon an individual’s ability to know how to balance to prevent technology’s overreliance. Proper planning will incorporate bot with no experience of any negative consequences.
Beneficial and Adverse Effects on the Human Brain
Technology has resulted in several benefits to human brain health. Neural exercise is attained; exposure to the internet for research is a mentally stimulating process that exercises the brain (Bikalenko et al., 2021). Using the internet for short-term study results in internet training and better brain functioning. There is cognitive training as interaction with various sources of knowledge gets enhanced. Multitasking skills are also developed, improving other competencies such as divided and sustained attention and working memory (Bejinaru, 2019). Individuals engaging in video games tend to establish adequate reaction time. Visual attention reaction time gets influenced, thus improving cognitive and motor skills (Hoehe & Thibaut, 2020). The accomplishments improve surgical abilities as they lower any lower error roles in the operating room. Video games are a potential source of these benefits; they improve multitasking skills, fluid intelligence, and improvement on working memory (Hoehe & Thibaut, 2020). Overreliance on something is not always good; despite having a positive impact, technology also negatively influences the brain.
Digitalization affects and changes various aspects of brain functioning. In their research, Firth et al. (2019) highlight changes in attention, memory, and social cognition. In particular, streams of information from several sources contribute to the dispersion of attention. The constant availability of a large amount of data also affects how people memorize and extract knowledge (Firth et al., 2019). Sleep is also highly influenced; screen exposure disrupts sleep, thus harming cognition and personal behavior. Individuals that make use of the internet frequently tend to get addicted. Technology has changed the habits and norms of social interaction, affecting self-perception (Firth et al., 2019). At the same time, Firth et al. (2019) note that many aspects of the digitalization effect on the human brain have not yet been studied. However, the impact will only increase, given the development speed and the spread of technology.
Responsible Attitude Toward Digitalization
Globalization has resulted in positive developments in the world around us. It has its positive and negative impacts, which the beneficiaries can control. A responsible attitude toward digitalization will facilitate eradicating the emerging adverse effects of total negligence and ignorance (Leidner & Tona, 2021). When using an electronic gadget, taking breaks and engaging in other activities is essential to avoid being addicted. Developing critical thinking skills such as communication, problem-solving, observation, and inference is crucial. These qualities help improve decision-making capabilities and build confidence and ethics. Responsible attitudes can only be addressed if the methods of limiting the negative impact of digitalization are identified (Leidner & Tona, 2021). Individuals need to take advantage of digitalization to develop cognitive abilities. The innovations need to be adopted from positive benefits and the negative ones prevented or eradicated.
Methods of Limiting the Negative Impact of Digitalization
Technology addiction is a common problem the current population faces. There are potential strategies that can be implemented to limit the adverse effects of technology. The first step is to identify what type of technologies take much of your time (Leidner & Tona, 2021). Step two involves preventing getting addicted to innovations and other electronic gadgets. It is advisable not to let technology take control of one’s life. Professional help can be sought if the journey away from addiction becomes too mountainous. Digital dieting should be adopted; through this, a person refrains from the use of any technology that they are addicted to or cannot stay without (Limone & Toto, 2021). Developing critical thinking skills will also promote better judgment, enabling sound decisions to prevent addiction. Self-discipline is a vital factor that can facilitate proper technological use.
Taking Advantage of Digitalization to Develop Cognitive Abilities
The use of technology has proven to be beneficial; it has improved the quality of life and resulted in the development of digital skills. Positive impacts of digital technology on cognitive skills include the provision of adequate knowledge (Vedechkina & Borgonovi, 2021). It helps to learn the alphabet and order of numbers, identify correct numbers and recognize images. When students learn using digital platforms, they are most likely to concentrate on the vital details rather than interpreting knowledge more abstractly. The Internet is a powerful cognitive enhancement technology; it offers instant access to information and the ability to share knowledge much easier (Sweller, 2020). When children are exposed to Apart from facing possible side effects, the brain has higher abilities to make positive use of innovations.
Conclusion
The use of technology has resulted in several impacts that affect users’ physical and psychological health. Depending on the frequency of use, it can result in different outcomes. The advantages outweigh the drawbacks; negative experiences are mainly attained due to ignorance. Societies have developed immensely socially and economically due to globalization. Technology has spread across all corners of the earth, and its impact can be seen from the resulting human activities. The use of machinery has both negative and positive consequences for brain health. Adopting responsible attitudes toward automation will help in limiting the potential effects likely to be attained. The study is critical as it outlines the possible impact of innovations and how they can affect physical and mental health. It also guides how the potential drawbacks can be prevented. Future research needs to build upon the findings of this research and address the limitations presented in the study.
References
Bejinaru, R. (2019). Impact of digitalization on education in the knowledge economy. Management Dynamics in the Knowledge Economy, 7(3), 367–380. Web.
Small, G. W., Lee, J., Kaufman, A., Jalil, J., Siddarth, P., Gaddipati, H., Moody, T. D., & Bookheimer, S. Y. (2020). Brain health consequences of digital technology use. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 22(2), 179–187.
Figure 1. Effects of Internet Addiction. Note. Adapted from Internet addiction and digital detoxification: Symptoms and consequences of excessive smartphone use stock illustration, by N. Chaykovskaya, 2020
As it is known, active exercises help to improve not only a physical but also mental state, helping to better focus on goals and achieve high brain efficiency. In the article “The Time Course Effect of Moderate Intensity Exercise on Response Execution and Response Inhibition” written by Joyce, Graydon, McMorris, and Davranche (2009), the authors seek to find a relationship between how quickly tasks are performed if a person is actively engaged in sports. The researchers want to determine the relationship between speed of response and specific work and identify how often a person should do physical exercises. The stated objective is achieved by testing a group of volunteers in the laboratory and evaluating the results demonstrated by them and comparing the indicators obtained.
Summary of the Research Article
The authors in their work sought to trace the relationship between the cognitive functions of the human brain and how specifically physical activity influences them (Joyce et al., 2009). The primary goal of the scientists was to determine how the quality of work with particular and limited time changes if people are given a specific task and asked to perform a series of physical exercises. It was assumed that there would be a difference in indicators if a person did that job without preliminary preparation and practicing sports.
As a target group, university students were tested whose average age was twenty-three. These people had not previously participated in such experiments; none of them suffered from neurological or other dangerous diseases. The study was conducted in several stages, and participants underwent specific tests every day at the same time in order to reduce the risk of changes caused by different time of the day and brain activity.
Primary Hypothesis
The primary hypothesis put forward by the authors of the study was the following: a particular set of physical exercises that are performed in parallel with using cognitive functions of the brain allows better coping with all the tasks and speeds up the decision process (Joyce et al., 2009). As critical objectives, it was decided to use stop-signal tests. It was planned that the participants of the two groups would show different results during the two main sections when the experiment was conducted.
Methodology of the Experiment
For the study, the authors used a practical approach to solve specific tasks (Joyce et al., 2009). As a method of analysis, a mixed research was taken as a basis since not only questions and oral tests were applied during the work but also the number of participants was evaluated. The results obtained were calculated according to the volume of members and their indicators. The data were analyzed and, based on available results, it was suggested that complicated physical load could affect the properties of human cognitive functions.
Findings and Conclusions
As the authors claim, their study proved that speed of responses made after physical exercises could increase (Joyce et al., 2009). Also, in the process of work, it was revealed that a preliminary activity does not interfere with the performance of particular tasks; on the contrary, it improves the response to set goals and helps to orient more quickly. According to Asp (2017), various indicators of the human brain work are tightly connected with the body indicators, and if there are any changes in performing the same activities, results may be different. It means that if people do the same work differently, for example, solve tasks either after physical activities or without them, the brain will react individually to these changes.
The authors confirm that their assumptions turned out to be correct and argue that additional research in this area can bring even more evidence to their work (Joyce et al., 2009). Cognitive functions of the human brain largely depend on the state of the organism. Hormones produced in the course of specific activities affect the productivity and quality of the work performed; they are important indicators of the human mood and the manner of work. All the results may be used as a basis for the following studies.
Critical Evaluation of Media Claim
The study conducted by Joyce et al. (2009) fully supports the claim in the media article written by Asp (2017) and helps to make conclusions concerning the use of the authors’ research in the process of studying the stated issue. First, the title of the two works is similar, the only difference is that a scientific paper has complex subtitles, and the media article is designed for a large number of readers and is framed in a more journalistic style.
Secondly, the goal of both papers is to determine the effect of physical activity on accelerating the brain and to test how exercises contribute to a faster response to specific tasks. In addition to the impact on the brain activity, Asp (2017) also emphasizes a positive effect of exercises on the general condition of the body. Therefore, it may be the only significant difference between the two articles.
Joyce, J., Graydon, J., McMorris, T., & Davranche, K. (2009). The time course effect of moderate intensity exercise on response execution and response inhibition. Brain and Cognition, 71(1), 14-19.
There has been an escalation on the debate whether the homosexual trait is an acquired characteristic or a genetic trait. Majority of the human rights activists sympathizing with gay community argue that homosexuality as congenital is a genetically condition and therefore homosexuals should have the right of association and marriage (Bailey, 2003). They based their arguments on the act scientists in the late 20th century discovered that homosexuality is a genetic or hormonal condition. Scientific studies have correlated sexual orientation to almost everything ranging from the parts of the brain, length of the finger, differences in the inner ear, and hormonal differences among others (LeVay, 1991).
A Psychiatric Professor in the University of Columbia by the name Robert Spitzer contended that humans can alter their sexual orientation from homosexual to heterosexual through reparative therapy counselling (Bailey, 2003). Spitzer was an opponent of the ideology which conceived that homosexuality was an inborn characteristic and could not be changed. Some of the most recent studies carried out on homosexuality suggest that it is not a genetic trait but a fashion among the youths (Bailey, 2003). These studies also suggests that homosexuality among women is based on social interaction, presented as an emotional appeal besides physical attraction that may change with time (Kauth, 2000).
Contrary to the increasing evidence relating to inevitability and impossibility in resisting homosexual behaviour, some studies have been extensively publicized as evidence to a genetic element. However, these studies are either badly constructed or not well presented as to their importance (Bailey, 2003). Other Columbian University professors in the psychiatric department studied the most dominant homosexual gene on the brain structure and found out that most studies have procedural flaws. These professors concluded that there is no evidence to support the genetic aspect of homosexuality. They asserted that the appeal of the present genetic explanation of sexual orientation was purely driven by discontent with the current status of psycho-social explanations than from a considerable body of investigational data (Kauth, 2000)…
Despite of the opposition regarding the biological explanation of sexual orientation, some researchers are very optimistic on the correlation of the above two elements and argue that the past studies have been poorly undertaken (Bailey, 2003). The biological evidence to support the difference between the heterosexuals and homosexuals relates to the brain structure, hormonal difference, similarity of homosexuality among twin and the genetic markers in siblings (Kauth, 2000).
Brain structural difference between homosexuals and heterosexuals
Sex differentiation in the structure of the hypothalamus and the closest brain structures have been found to relate to sexual characteristics of humans such as trans-sexuality and sexual orientation ( Ellis & Ames, 1987). Gender differences in the hypothalamus and other limbic structures are believed to be the reason behind sex dissimilarity in reproduction and sexual traits in humans. Scientific researches show that hypothalamus is the basis to human sexual behaviours (Pilgrim & Reisertm, 1992).
The brain of a homosexual contains double the number of cells as compared to the heterosexual counterpart in the suprachiasmastic (SCN) nucleus-an area within the hypothalamus (Swab et.al 1997). The homosexual traits increase the neuronal digits in the brain structure. The growth of the SCN cell numbers among the gay men is believed to be taking place during the early stages of brain development (Ellis & Ames, 1987).
At birth, the adult SCN cells ranges from 13 to 20 percent, however these cells starts to grow very first at the post natal period (Swab et.al 1997). The total number of the SCN cells in the male adult homosexual is the same as those found in the infants (homosexual) in the postnatal period. In the normal circumstance, the SCN cell number declines by about 35 percent from the summit value as a person approaches adult age. Therefore, among the homosexual men the decline of the SCN cells is prevented (Ellis & Ames, 1987).
A growing number of studies explain that the brains of homosexual men are less masculine than those of the straight males. This is well demonstrated in the visual-spatial work performance. Visual-spatial work performance is used to measure the level of brain masculinity and in normal circumstances male heterosexuals usually exceeds the female counterparts (Swab et.al 1997). Besides, the audio waves of the gay males while processing verbal-spatial tasks are more corresponding to the female heterosexuals as compared to heterosexual males (Ellis & Ames, 1987).
A research at the Texas university revealed that the brain of the gay males and females responds straight to the hearing / auditory stimuli as compared to those of the heterosexuals (Ellis & Ames, 1987). When short auditory stimuli are directed to the ear, a unique series of brain waves is generated. These waves vary in their magnitude or timing among the gay and straight persons. Female homosexuals experience brain waves intermediate to the heterosexuals while in the case of males the brain is shifted away from those of the male and the female heterosexuals (Swab et.al 1997).
Scientific studies also show that the male and female brains demonstrate sexual difference/ dimorphism in the pre-optic zone of the hypothalamus. Males have twice as many cell numbers in this area as compared to the females (Schultz et.al 1996). The same study also established that some of the interstitial nuclei of the anterior Hypothalamus are two times larger in males than in females. The same difference is witnessed among the homosexual and heterosexual males (Ellis & Ames, 1987). Post mortem assessment of the brains of the heterosexual males has shown that interstitial nuclei of the anterior Hypothalamus are twice as many in heterosexual females and homosexual males (Ellis & Ames, 1987).
Other studies on the role of hypothalamus on sexual orientation showed that the sexual dimorphic nucleus reduced in volume plus the cell numbers in females at the immediate post natal age. However, the above findings complicated the study of the brain since the number of sexually dimorphic nucleus and the cells within are also influenced by chemical, hormonal and social factors (Schultz et.al 1996). Another subject that complicates the difference between the brain structure of the gays and the straight persons is the issue of sexual experience which also affects the structure of the brain. This has raised eyebrows on whether homosexuality alters the brain structure or brain alters itself as a result of homosexuality (Bailey, 2003).
Genetics and hormonal influence in homosexuality
Sexual orientation is also a result of hormonal balance in the womb thus homosexuality is attributed to the same hormonal influence. Because hormonal level in the womb is not available, substitutes for hormonal influence have been used to determine how hormones influence sexual orientation (Golombok et.al 1993). These proxies comprise of different skeletal structures, ratio of length of a number of phalanges among others. Homosexual males and straight females have less long bone in their limbs than heterosexual males and gay females (Ellis & Ames, 1987).
Studies on family lineage have shown that homosexual men had more gay relatives in their maternal tree than their paternal pedigree, implying the connection to the X chromosome (LeVay, 1991). Researchers found that the association was at the region of Xq 28. The theory of natural selection also supports the possibility of the connection of X chromosomes with homosexuality. Since homosexual males can not reproduce, their perpetuation has been enhanced by the reproducing females with gay genes in them (Golombok et.al 1993).
Conclusion
There has been a lot of publicity on the origin of the homosexual orientation. A great notion has been created linking homosexuality with genetics instead of the environmental influence. Nevertheless, with the examination of the scientific literatures it is not yet very clear on what courses homosexuality. The origin of homosexuality has led to many debates, with some group proposing the biological influence while others opposing. Major difference between the homosexuals especially men and the heterosexual counterparts is attributed to the difference in the particular cell numbers within the hypothalamus. Homosexuality can also be explained in genetic terms. However, there are no substantial evidence to support all of the above scientific theories on the difference and origin of homosexuality.
References
Bailey, J.M. (2003). The man who would be queen: The science of gender-bending and transsexualism. Washington, D.C: Joseph Henry Press.
Ellis, B.J., & Ames, M.A. (1987). Neuro-hormonal functioning and sexual orientation: A theory of homosexuality-heterosexuality. Psychol Bull, 101:233–258.
Golombok , S., Spencer, A., & Rutter, M. (1983). Children in lesbian and single-parent households: psychosexual and psychiatric appraisal. J Child Psychol Psychiat, 4 pp. 551-572.
Kauth, M.R. (2000). True nature: A theory of sexual attraction. New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers.
LeVay, S. (1991). “A difference in hypothalamic structure between heterosexual and homosexual men”, Science journal 253 pp. 1034-1037.
Pilgrim,C., & Reisertm, I. (1992). Differences between male and female brains – developmental mechanisms and implications. Harm Metab Res, 24 pp. 353-359.
Schultz, C., Braak, H., & Braak, E. (1996). A sex difference in neuro-degeneration of the human hypothalamus. Neurosci Lett, 212 pp.103-106.
Swab, D.S., Zhou,J., &Hoffman, M.A. (1997). Sexual differentiation of the human brain. Biomedical review, 7 pp. 17-32.
The Internet has become an essential part of human life. It is impossible to imagine a civilized house without an Internet. All the companies work with the help of the Internet and it seems that people are unable to live without this innovation. The Internet gives people much.
News is considered on the Internet, all the information people need may be found online, people communicate and entertain with the help of the Internet. However, many scientists start warning people about the harmful effect of the Internet on human brain. To operate actively and successfully, human brain should work. The Internet prevents people from thinking that results in stunting their mental growth.
Much research is initiated in this direction and thinking critically it is possible to find many reasons why people should start warring about their brain rewire. Reading the article ‘As the Internet rewires our brains’ written on February 28, 2009 by Kurt Cagle, it is impossible to disagree with the statements provided there that the Internet “is turning us into idiot savants, Aspergers and reverting our brains to a more primitive state”.
Starting the discussion with the most popular Internet services, it is essential to speak about Facebook and Twitter. These services affect human ability to think. Children who start communicating in these social nets stop thinking critically.
Heavy use of Facebook and Twitter makes children just repeat the said, think primitive and forget about critical skills. To be critically developed, human brain has to work. Such services as Facebook and Twitter do not give people an opportunity to think, they just make them consume some information which does not train human brain.
People repeat primitive statements, they get to know the simplest news about the life of other people, but this information does not make people think, therefore, their brain remains stable. As it has already been mentioned, people have to train their brain to have the skills of critical thinking and to have brain work, in general. What is Facebook? It is a social network which helps people to get in touch, but, in practice, many people have made it the way of their life. Twitter is a more primitive way of social life, and it also makes people degrade.
How else does the social network affect people? Thinking about the Internet, the most spread facility which comes to mind is communication.
It is obvious that many people communicate online with friends and relatives who live far away. But the main problem is that there are people who begin to think that online communication is the only way of interaction. Kurt Cagle in his article presents several examples of the cases when people could not understand each other when speaking in the real world. Live communications are not interesting for people.
Modern youth would better write a message online than call to a person or arrange a meeting. Online people have an opportunity to speak with many friends at one and the same time and there is no need to leave the house. Moreover, people are able to write messages without showing intonation and face reaction. People can think about the answer for some time. All these aspects make people lazy.
Therefore, when they speak in a real world, from eye to eye, it seems that they fail to understand each other as there is not much time on thinking. Rereading a message or answering it online people may think thoroughly, but there is no such an opportunity while real communication. Speaking in a real world people forget how to express their opinion. They have to think fast, but the absence of constant training and practice does not give them a chance to express their thoughts adequately that leads to full misunderstanding.
One more problem of the Internet which confirms the opinion that it rewires our brains is the absence of the concentration while reading. When people read books they have to be too concentrated not to leave important details. Now, reading a book, people do not need to think about it.
There is a lot of software and other possibilities which help people find necessary information in the text without reading the whole part. Moreover, having forgotten the place where the information is located people can easily search for that fragment using the innovative technologies. This also leaves people without the necessity to train their brain.
According to Kurt Cagle, human brain has to work in order to be active. When people read information with the desire to remember it brain works, but if people do not try to memorize the most important parts, when they are not interested in thinking critically brain stops working. Moreover, the Internet is full of many comments and reviews on the necessary topic and many people use them. It is easier to ask at Yahoo or use another service online where those who think may answer this question.
This information is referred to. Unfortunately, the Internet gives people too much information. The intensive stream of information lowers human attention. It is a fact that when people consume too much information they do not need to, they stop paying much attention to it, their attention lowers and it leads to inability to remember information. Those facts which people have to remember may be found online, why should they memorize them?
Kurt Cagle says that all the changes in human activities lead to changes in human mind. When people learnt speaking their brain changed. The development of reading and writing also affected human mind. Now the Internet era has come and it is a big question whether it benefits human brain or harms it.
According to the facts and research which has already been conducted, the Internet “kills” the skills people have been obtaining during many centuries. The innovations assist people and make their lives easier. However, they also prevent human brain from work which is a negative side.
In conclusion, I would like to state that I agree with the article ‘As the Internet rewires our brains’ by Kurt Cagle. People stop learning. Getting more information, they do not see a necessity to remember it that prevents their brain from work. It is obvious that human live communication is important, but people do not tend to speak to each other eye to eye as it is easier to write a message.
All these factors are upsetting as the destinations of many centuries are ruined. New generations would follow the examples of their parents and they would refuse to think. Thus, I suppose that in several centuries we will have to start learning writing and critical thinking as our ancestries did.
Interpreting the difference between sex and gender is essential in the modern world. This information is significant to understand why a person considers themselves a man or a woman. A video by TED (2019) offers valuable information on the topic because the speaker explains the issue scientifically. The video helped me actualize my prior knowledge on sex and gender as well as enriched my understanding of what biological processes make people transgender.
The video under consideration improved my comprehension of sex and gender. On the one hand, TED (2019) and Chapter 3 highlighted the biological differences between the male and female sexes. In particular, males have XY chromosomes, while XX chromosomes are found in females (TED, 2019). On the other hand, the video offered biological explanations of what gender is. There is scientific reasoning of cases when people have male bodies but consider themselves women.
According to TED (2019), such a scenario occurs because of specific prenatal brain development since genitals become male or female during the first trimester while the brain matures during the second trimester. Consequently, the conjunction of particular prenatal processes can contribute to the fact that a person’s gender and sex do not align at the DNA level. As a result, there emerge transgender people who position themselves differently compared to their primary sexual features.
In conclusion, the video under analysis helped me improve my understanding of sex and gender concepts. While I knew the biological determinants of male and female sexes, identifying such characteristic features of genders was remarkable for me. I believe that the scientific explanation of why some people have conflicting views regarding their sexes and genders can reduce the spread of homophobic ideas across the globe.
Speaking about marijuana’s influence on the brain, doctors always focus on the occurrence of psychogenic syndrome. This state is manifested by mental weakness caused by organic lesions of the brain. Vascular disorders play a decisive role in the development of pathology. Scientists have proven that severe hashish intoxication develops after taking marijuana. As a result, the blood flow in the brain vessels becomes distorted. Toxic substances that are distinguished as a result of smoking cannabis penetrate the blood. Getting into the capillaries, the drug prevents blood from proceeding at normal speed. As a result, the brain is at a high risk of being damaged as well as the structures that are located next to it (Marijuana DrugFacts, 2019). The adverse effects of marijuana become even more pronounced and tangible if a person smokes cannabis for a long time. Each month, the number of dead nerve cells increases. Then there are failures in the functioning of the central nervous system.
Marijuana abuse can lead to severe changes in the body. For example, problems such as heart failure, tachycardia, hypertension; Reducing the level of testosterone, the anomaly of spermatozoa; violations of motility problems with movement may occur in the long run of the use of marijuana. One of the main misconceptions is that marijuana causes no addiction. The practical research proved that the long usage of this drug could cause marijuana use disorder leading to dependence on this drug (Is marijuana addictive, 2021). Another myth of marijuana is that the drug improves metabolism and promotes weight loss. The action of cannabinoids on metabolism is undoubted. They reduce blood glucose levels (therefore, a brutal appetite appears) and cause dehydration. Due to this, catabolic processes in the body are activated. Thus, the changes in metabolism and weight are spurious and unhealthy.
Considering the short-term effects of heroin on the human brain, one of the most dangerous ones is the activation of the opioid receptors. The first symptoms after taking this drug may include vomiting, dizziness, hypothermia, and shortness of breath. From the long-time perspective, heroin has a cumulative effect, interfering with the work of almost all organs, causing the deterioration of the cells (What are the long-term effects of heroin, 2021). The drug assessment of 2019 shows that New Jersey is one of the higher levels of heroin reports counting for over 100 000 per year (National drug threat assessment, 2020). The number of reports in the mentioned state increases each year. There are various support programs and hotlines for people addicted to heroin. People seeking help or their close friends or relatives can learn more about these programs by calling the medical centers or advertising. Then, professionals will direct them to the detox centers or rehabs where clinicians provide treatment for addicted people.
Should Nicotine Be Made Illegal? Why or Why Not?
The law should not prosecute nicotine usage. First of all, even though it is considered a toxic substance but not a drug in a prevalent number of countries, nicotine is addictive. From a practical medicine perspective, nicotine does not cause a change in thinking and perception and has no hypnotic effect (Is nicotine addictive, 2021). Therefore, the medical criterion in defining nicotine as a “narcotic substance” is excluded. The dependence that nicotine causes is attributed to dependence on a poisonous substance. If nicotine is illegal, the psychological temptation will be increased.
Moreover, nicotine addiction is primarily related to psychology, not physiology. Mass media, cinematography, literature, and other sources affecting social cognition promote nicotine as one of the attractive personal features. Considering the creation of smoking culture by the films and TV show series, nicotine usage can not be abolished by making it illegal. This problem requires another, more innovative solution. It would be more rational to develop people’s awareness of the adverse effects of nicotine to lower the rates of nicotine users. Creating the alternative to nicotine tobacco without having adverse health effects can be the rational solution for this problem.
Legalization
The legalization of marijuana in some countries is dangerous. Such a situation can increase drug usage rates. Marijuana use over a prolonged time leads to an imbalance of neurotransmitters (Marijuana DrugFacts, 2019). Most often, addicted people start to seek more powerful drugs after marijuana. The legal status of marijuana can be preserved only in medicine, considering the accurate conversion of cannabis into a medical drug suitable for safe treatment. Thus, some counties should eliminate the legal status of this drug.
Heroin legalization should never be proposed because it will definitely increase the number of drug users. Hard drugs are extremely dangerous and will cause a huge percentage of drug-related deaths. Moreover, legalizing heroin state puts teenagers at the highest risk. Being at the development state, young people are affected by heroin severely. The future generation’s physical and mental state and the future of society can be destroyed by heroin legalization.
Changes in the legal status of nicotine are unnecessary. The nicotine itself is not that dangerous compared with the chemical additives infiltrated into the cigarettes. The legislation aimed at controlling the structure of cigarettes can be proposed. Cancer-provoking substances should be minimized. Making nicotine illegal may increase the number of black-market tobacco sellers, negatively affecting the countries’ economy. The forbidden fruit temptation psychology may cause the increase of nicotine usage. Therefore, enhancing nicotine with an illegal status has many negative consequences.
References
Drug Enforcement Administration. (2020). National drug threat assessment. Web.
NIDA. (2021). Is marijuana addictive? National Institute of Health. Web.
NIDA. (2021). Is nicotine addictive? National Institute of Health. Web.
NIDA. (2019). Marijuana DrugFacts. National Institute of Health. Web.
NIDA. (2021). What are the long-term effects of heroin use? National Institute of Health. Web.
Brain is the vital organ coordinating our activities and life. The problem of brain functioning and development has still a lot of areas for research. Nowadays, we have more questions than answers on the problems of brain functioning. However, the scholars presented interesting findings on the brain development in the childhood.
The aim of this essay is to analyze the information presented in the articles Starting Smart: How Early Experiences Affect Brain Development by Theresa Hawley and Brain Development by Karen DeBord.
The analysis of the articles
The article Starting Smart: How Early Experiences Affect Brain Development by Theresa Hawley is devoted to the problem of brain development of children. The author of the article presents the results of the scientific research which indicates to the vital necessity of adults’ care for children in the early ages. Exactly in the early period of life, the brain gets the important impulse for intense development. The idea of the predominance of genetics in the brain development had existed in the scientific world for a long period of time.
However, recent studies have proved that the child’s experience is also a crucial factor determining the development of brain “plasticity” (Hawley n.pag.). The author of the article explains the reasons for this fact. She stresses that the number of brain neurons is programmed genetically but the connections between neurons are formed throughout the life and, especially, in the childhood (Hawley n.pag.). The role of adults care in the brain development of children is the main idea of the article.
The author emphasizes the importance of parents’ love and responsive care for the reasoning and emotional intelligence of children. At the same time, she mentions that the abuses and mental traumas negatively affect the intellectual and emotional development of children. Hawley refers to the results of the research on the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
“Although the ability of the brain to put abused children on constant alert may help them to survive in traumatic environments (for example, the battered child may be able to better avoid the abusive father when he is in a bad mood) it exacts a cost, for the child and for society” (Hawley n.pag.).
The results of the research also suggest that the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can be coped with. It was found that the effective treatment does not, essentially, depend on the age.
The author also lists the ways of helping parents to support healthy brain development (Hawley n.pag.). In particular, she mentions community-based programs aimed at educating parents, high-quality home visiting programs preventing the abuses and neglect, mental health service, and the educational campaigns explaining the rational nutrition for children (Hawley n.pag.).
In addition, the author of the article touches upon the problem of children care provided by the care arrangements and kindergartens, in particular.
In my view, the article is rather interesting. It will be useful for the purpose of the research on brain development as well as for the better understanding of the problem of children upbringing.
The other article, Brain Development by Karen DeBord is also dedicated to the problem of the mechanism of brain development and the factors which stimulate its development process. Karen DeBord summarized the main findings of the recent scientific research on the problem. The information presented in her article is based on the results of PET scan (positron-emission topography) which measures the brain activity (DeBord n.pag.). She briefly describes the mechanism of brain functioning and development.
The main idea of the article is the importance of the early learning for brain development. The author mentions that the age between 3 and 10 is the most favorable time for learning (DeBord n.pag.). However, the learning process continues throughout the life of an individual. Besides, she stresses that the baby’s emotions are developed between 10 and 18 months (DeBord n.pag.).
The article contains brief information about brain work. The author puts a particular emphasis on the role of parents’ love and care in the intellectual and emotional development of children. She describes several important steps which should be taken by parents.
In particular, she mentions a constant loving care, touching, paying attention to hearing and language, paying attention to the development of vision, naming things with which the child interacts. Besides, the author emphasizes the importance of listening to the classical music. It has been proved that exposing children to the complex music sounds contributes to the development of their math skills (DeBord n.pag.).
In my opinion, the article is well-structured. The author managed to give the most important pieces of information on the topic in a well-organized form. Due to the comprehensive language, the article is accessible to not only the specialists but to everyone interested in the discussed problem. Overall, the article is very interesting and I will recommend it to my fellows.
Conclusion
In order to sum up all above mentioned, it should be said that the brain development is one of the urgent problems of modern science. However, the scholars have already achieved substantial breakthrough in the understanding of its peculiarities. The articles Starting Smart: How Early Experiences Affect Brain Development by Theresa Hawley and Brain Development by Karen DeBord summarize the findings of the recent research. The authors paid particular attention to the brain development of children.
Works Cited
DeBord, Karen n.d., Brain Development. PDF file.
Hawley, Theresa 2000, Starting Smart: How Early Experiences Affect Brain Development. PDF file.
The human brain is a core organ in the body. It influences a wide range of human activities such as learning, communication, memorizing and other biological processes. The human brain consists of numerous parts, which enable it to achieve its functions. Each part of the brain carries out a function in order to enhance the functionality of the brain.
However, all these parts of the brain are synchronized through some cells and play different roles to achieve a certain function. The feature that makes the brain a distinct organ from any other organ in the body is the cerebral cortex. (Iaccino, 1993, P. 247). This part is divided into two sides namely, the right he sphere and the left hemisphere.
Each hemisphere has distinct features based on the structure and functions. For example, each part of the hemisphere is divided into four parts called the frontal, the temporal, the parietal, and the occipital. All these parts have different functions in their respective hemispheres.
How each hemisphere operates and performs its functions, is what characterizes the performance of different human body functions, which include learning. Extensive research has been carried out on the differences between the right and left sides of the brain. This research has indicated that the right side of the brain is better at specialties, emotions, and neurotransmitters functions.
The different hemispheres thus affect individuals differently in terms of learning. Learning can be categorized in term of individual’s ability to integrate information and provide meaningful conclusions. There are four different ways of thinking that the different sides of the brain affect learning.
The detailed analysis of these ways of learning elucidates the differences in learning patterns among students based on the side of the brain that is dominant. These ways of learning include Analytical thinking, sequential thinking, interpersonal thinking and imaginative thinking.
Analytical Thinking
Several theories have been put forward regarding the right and left-brain dominance. It is clear from some of the theories that each side of the brain regulates different types of thinking. It is also stated that different people have a certain preference to a certain way of thinking than others.
This is attributed to what side of the brain is dominant. Analytical thinking is considered as the ability to generate relevant ideas based on logical conclusions. Data collection is an activity that requires critical analysis of data before making a decision on which data is relevant to the topic under study.
Students whose their left hand side of their brains are dominant tend to be good at this practice. This is because the left hand side of the brain processes information, which requires critical thinking. A student whose right hand side of the brain is dominant is poor at this practice.
This is because, the right side of the brain is not well defined to carry out critical thinking related processes. Therefore, for detailed homework assignments, the right brained students tend to spend more time on the problems than their left brained counterparts do. When two students are reading the same text, they come up with different interpretations. This is because the ability to understand relies on the individual’s critical thinking, which in turn, depends on which part of the hemisphere is dominant in the individual.
Sequential Thinking
It is clear that the left hemisphere of the brain and the right side of the brain process data differently. However, it should be remembered that most processes mainly take place at the dominant side of the brain. Extensive research has been conducted on how the brain processes information.
These researches have indicated that, the thinking and learning processes become more efficient when the brain functions fully. This means that, when both sides of the brain are working together, an individual’s thinking and learning processes become exceptional. This implies that, the stronger side strengthens the weaker side of the brain.
The left side of the brain processes data in sequence, in addition to, linear mode of thinking. It is believed that, a person who uses the left side of their brain is proficient at performing their actions in an organized manner. The art of making lists, preparing of schedules and their day-to-day planning is easy to these kinds of people. The left side of the brain is designed to process information in sequence.
This fact has made the people who use their left sides of the brain to be proficient at performing things in sequence. For example, a left brained student has a higher probability of being excellent at math and following directions as well as spelling. This contrasts the students whose use the right side of their brains.
These are considered random thinkers because, a right brained student may hand in their assignment late, or incomplete not because they did not intend to complete it, but just because they were doing something else. This is attributed to the random nature of their dominant side of their brains.
Interpersonal Thinking
This is the ability of an individual to relate well with others. It is based on the ability of an individual to listen to others and share their ideas to others. In addition, it requires the need to seek understanding of the environment around someone. Left hand brained students are considered the best at expressing what they have in their minds.
They know exactly what they feel, and can choose the right words to deliver the required information no matter the environment that, surrounds them. On the contrary, the right brained students have difficulties in expressing themselves. A student may know an answer to a question in an exam, but lack words to express the required information.
The right brained students tend to depend on sensory input in delivering information. They do this in order to enhance their efficiency of delivering the information. This is attributed to the poor ability of the right hemisphere to keep memories of events that have occurred either within a short or even a long time.
Therefore, it has become a common practice for the right brained students to make mental videos of what they read or even write to enhance their memories.
Imaginative Thinking
Imaginative thinking is the art of the brain that concretely processes information rather than use of intuition. This characteristic distinguishes many students in class. It defines the limits of information analysis and creation by a student. A student who is exceptional in coming up with meaningful imaginations tends to be remarkable in their studies.
In fact, the art of imaginative thinking enhances the ability to tackle problems not only in class, but also in real life situations. The students who use the left side of their brains have no problems in processing the problems that are presented before them. They tend to think far way, beyond what is before them. They put many efforts to use certain information in order to generate a solution w to any challenge that comes before them.
These left brained students tend to make logical simulations better than their counterparts who use the right hemisphere of the brain. On the contrary, the right brained students may need visual aid or may want to touch or feel the actual object. In fact, they prefer to look at the words being used in a certain context so as they can know how to use them in their context.
For mathematical problems, they may need to see how the mathematical formulas work to apply it on their own. They accomplish this with the aim of avoiding brainstorming which is not well developed in the students who use the right hand side of the brain.
Conclusion
From the above discussions, it is evident that there are distinct features between the left side of the brain and the right one. This fact implies that people also have different learning styles. It is also clear that left brained students are more advantageous than their right counterparts are in reading and understanding material.
This does not necessarily mean that, the students who use their left side of their brains are more intelligent than those who use their right side. However, flexibility in utilizing both the brain sides is the key strategy for attaining academic prosperity.
References
Iaccino. J. (1993). Left brain- right brain Differences. Pennsylvania: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Left brain, Right brain, Whole brain– Home page. (n.d). Web.
