A Detailed Analysis: The Impact of Computers on Cognitive Ability

This essay examines the impact of computer technology on cognitive abilities, referencing Baroness Susan Greenfield's work on neuroplasticity and the effects of screen technology. It explores both positive and negative aspects, such as the potential for computer games to improve cognitive defects like depression and anxiety, while also noting that excessive screen time may hinder overall growth and academic performance. The analysis considers the multitasking skills developed through screen technology and its potential to cure mental diseases. However, the essay also acknowledges research indicating that gamers may experience poorer academic performance compared to non-gamers, ultimately concluding that screen technology has a multifaceted impact on cognitive ability, improving certain skills while potentially lowering academic achievements.

EFFECT OF
COMPUTERS ON
COGNITIVE
ABILITY

INTRODUCTION
•Name of the author: Baroness Susan
Greenfield
•Born on: 1 October 1950
•Occupation: British researcher and
scientist, writer,
broadcaster, member of
the House of Lords
•Researched on: Treatment of
Parkinson,
Alzheimer
neuroscience of
consciousness,
impact of technology
•Popular Books: “Mind Change: How
Digital Technologies
are Leaving their Mark on
our Brains”

 Individuals are reliant
of screen technology
 Technology
permeates all the
spheres of life
 Neuroplasticity in
humans induces
screen technology to
cast upon negative
impacts
(Edward et al. 2017)
(Greenfield 2015)
INTRODUCTION

Positive
 computer games may
make a child smarter
Negative
 computer games do
not ensure over all
growth
(Kardaras 2016)
(Kardaras 2016)
EARLY RESEARCH

Researches
reveal
that computer
games may help
curing cognitive
defects -
 Depression,
 Anxiety and
 Schizophrenia(Edwa
rd et al. 2017)
(Greenfield 2015)
MAIN IDEA

 A good gamer need to
focus on the
computer games
continuously, should
have the ability to
make strategic
decisions and think
creatively. Hence
exercising computer
games will improve
mental health
(Greenfield 2015).
(Greenfield 2015)
MAIN IDEA

 This article has
attempted to
show-
 some benefits of
internet usage
 the academic
performance of the
gamers students, are
poorer as compared
to the non-gamer
students (Greenfield, S.,
2014)
(Greenfield, S., 2014)
Evaluation

 Screen technology improves cognitive
ability
 Screen technology teaches multitasking
 Screen technology cures mental diseases
 Screen technology may lower academic
performance of students
Conclusion

 Edwards, J.D., Xu, H., Clark, D.O., Guey, L.T., Ross, L.A. and
Unverzagt, F.W., 2017. Speed of processing training results
in lower risk of dementia. Alzheimer's & Dementia:
Translational Research & Clinical Interventions, 3(4),
pp.603-611. DOI: 10.1016/j.trci.2017.09.002
 Greenfield, S., 2015. Mind change: How digital technologies
are leaving their mark on our brains. Random House
Incorporated.
 Kardaras, N., 2016. Glow kids: How screen addiction is
hijacking our kids-and how to break the trance. St. Martin's
Press.ark on our brains. Random House Incorporated.
 Greenfield, S., 2014, Modern technology is changing the
way our brains work, says neuroscientist. [online] Available
at:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-565207/Mod
ern-technology-changing-way-brains-work-says-neuroscienti
st.html
[Accessed 10 April 2019]
Reference List