As genealogists we often spend oodles of time searching the Web, so I find it promising (and somewhat justifying) that research suggests that Web searching is excellent for stimulating your brain (makes sense, doesn't it?). According to Gary Small, M.D., author of iBrain and director of the Center on Aging at the University of California, Los Angeles, Web searching appears to activate areas of the brain responsible for decision making and reasoning, more so than reading online. Brain activity more than doubled during Internet searches compared with levels recorded when reading in book format (P<0.05), according to a research study reported by Dr. Small and colleagues in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. In the functional MRI study, searching for information on the Internet also activated a greater range of brain regions, but only among subjects already accustomed to using the Internet.
In a second, followup study, participants with minimal Internet experience were able to boost brain function and cognition with minimal training and practice in Web searching.
Just one more reason I love genealogy! The increased mental stimulation will hopefully help to stem some of my age-related cognitive decline...
It’s no surprise that the genealogy is the passion of so many.
Not only does it create a deep sense of accomplishment and connection, it’s always a nice bonus to feel smart. Great article, and nice reminder about what’s great about the internet.
The answer to your intriguing question is, “Without a doubt!” While I can’t tell if I’m any smarter, I can say that the information I have learned in relation to my research gives me more knowledge than I had before I started.
Since I began my quest for familial history, both for my own and my daughter’s fiance’s family, I have learned more than I ever expected and can’t wait to learn more. Since my daughter’s fiance has Dutch and French-Canadian roots, the Dutch branch has allowed me to learn that his family on this mother’s side were instrumental in settling New Amsterdam (New York City) in the early 17th century. Having found that information, I have read several books on the subject written in the early to mid 1800’s. Thank goodness for Google Books! What a wealth of un-tapped information! Anyone who hasn’t pursued that avenue is missing a treasure trove of valuable data.
Here’s wishing all family researchers the best of luck and good hunting!
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