Facebook and Bebo risk ‘infantilising’ the human mind

Greenfield warns social networking sites are changing children’s brains, resulting in selfish and attention deficient young peopleSocial network sites risk infantilising the mid-21st century mind, leaving it characterised by short attention spans, sensationalism, inability to empathise and a shaky sense of identity, according to a leading neuroscientist.The startling warning from Lady Greenfield, professor of synaptic pharmacology at Lincoln college, Oxford, and director of the Royal Institution, has led members of the government to admit their work on internet regulation has not extended to broader issues, such as the psychological impact on children.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/feb/24/social-networking-site-changing-childrens-brainsThe Health Effects of Social Networking
Is social networking killing you? Well, no, probably not. Or at least, not literally. But two British scientists have recently suggested that spending all day, and — admit it — much of the night networking on a computer might in fact be bad for your body and your brain.
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/24/the-health-effects-of-social-networking/Also see “Is Facebook changing children’s brains?” in The Times at:
http://technewsreview.com.au/article.php?article=7393