New Talk: How is the internet changing your brain?

Is your brain being altered due to our increasing reliance on search engines, social networking sites and other digital technologies? This is the question which Professor Billy O’Connor will pose in this lecture. Using a basic understanding of brain structure (neurology) Professor Billy O’Connor will explain the concept of ‘brain plasticity’- the ability of the brain to constantly rewire itself - and will show how all learning changes the shape of the brain, allowing specific areas in the brain to grow or change. Furthermore, by using enriched physical learning web environments to accelerate this brain growth Professor O‘Connor will demonstrate how the new ‘cybertherapies’ are being used to help patients suffering from addiction and post traumatic stress disorder back to health.  According to Professor O’Connor this new resource has the potential to dramatically improve mental health including new opportunities to learn healthy habits to lift our mood and enhance our brains longevity.

Professor William T. O’Connor is Foundation Chair, Head of Teaching and Research In Physiology at University of Limerick.