Using the Internet well affect the brain … at least when it comes to people in middle age and older – inform the American Journal of Geriatric Psychology.

Team of Professor Gary Small of the University of California in Los Angeles revealed that online searching stimulates the cerebral network exploration centers responsible for decision-makers and complex reasoning. Perhaps such activity prevents even physiological changes associated with age – dying away neurons and decreasing their activity.

The study was carried out on 24 volunteers aged from 55 to 76 years. Compared their brain activity while searching the Internet and reading books. Both reading, as well as the use of computer activated areas responsible for language, reading, memory and vision. However, in the case of experienced Internet users were also boosting the centers responsible for taking decisions and complex reasoning. Compared to the reading, Internet searching requires more mental effort, even when choosing from among many possibilities.

You have previously observed beneficial effects on the brain different puzzles, crosses or board games (including bingo games in). It seems that also surf on the web should get on this list.