Evolution As We Speak
February 11th 2007 13:35
I am routinely amazed at the ease with which young children are able to use computers and other 'new-fangled' electronic devices. It is not uncommon to observe a nine year-old, for instance, quickly and accurately type data, negotiate the internet, and even problem-solve the invariable 'surfing' glitch that emerges when spending any time on the net.
Wonder kids, it seems.
It is fascinating to imagine that the neural pathways that are being etched into the brains of our children are significantly different than the neural pathways that were etched into yours and my brains. Or the brains of our parents and more distant ancestors.
I have an old antique phone hanging on a wall in the house. Though primarily a decoration at this point, it does still work. Whenever my son has friends over, they are extremely interested in this. They seem to know it is a phone, though do not know how it works. Once the dial has been demonstrated to them, they are incredulous: "Why all the trouble?!?" Much easier to push the buttons, you know.
Yet, it was the dialing of the phone that was the habit that was burned into the neural pathways of the generation of the baby boom. Not unlike, I might add, the getting up from the comfort of a chair to turn the channel on the black and white television.
Different times, different habits. And different neural pathways. It occurs to me that if one allows oneself to truly witness this amazing phenomenon, then one has come face to face with the process of evolution.
With the burning and forging of neural pathways in the brain comes change in brain structure. Not that there is a specific gene just waiting to be activated by the next invention of convenience or utility. Yet, changes in brain structure are clearly created. Moving that generation on to the next level, as it were.
Simply fascinating. And, I do not mind becoming a dinosaur.
Wonder kids, it seems.
It is fascinating to imagine that the neural pathways that are being etched into the brains of our children are significantly different than the neural pathways that were etched into yours and my brains. Or the brains of our parents and more distant ancestors.
I have an old antique phone hanging on a wall in the house. Though primarily a decoration at this point, it does still work. Whenever my son has friends over, they are extremely interested in this. They seem to know it is a phone, though do not know how it works. Once the dial has been demonstrated to them, they are incredulous: "Why all the trouble?!?" Much easier to push the buttons, you know.
Yet, it was the dialing of the phone that was the habit that was burned into the neural pathways of the generation of the baby boom. Not unlike, I might add, the getting up from the comfort of a chair to turn the channel on the black and white television.
Different times, different habits. And different neural pathways. It occurs to me that if one allows oneself to truly witness this amazing phenomenon, then one has come face to face with the process of evolution.
With the burning and forging of neural pathways in the brain comes change in brain structure. Not that there is a specific gene just waiting to be activated by the next invention of convenience or utility. Yet, changes in brain structure are clearly created. Moving that generation on to the next level, as it were.
Simply fascinating. And, I do not mind becoming a dinosaur.
| 111 |
| Vote |
Comment by Stanley
Comment by Damo
Computer geeks are less likely to be attractive to the opposite sex and therefor less likely to breed. Where as muscle bound bricklayers and heathly milkmen get all the action.
The smarterer you are the mosre likely you will bred out of the gene pool through sheer laziness.
Unix is given its name for a reason, because if you spend too much time with it that is what you become: A Unic.
This not evolution, it is devolution.
Comment by Deorre
Stress Alive
Man Lessons
Right.
Comment by Deorre
Stress Alive
Man Lessons
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
Comment by Deorre
Stress Alive
Man Lessons
Comment by Cathy
Fakes Frauds Fools
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
*lol* are you more confused now than before? say the number I wanted to dial was 334 I would tap the buttons like so...
123...123...1234 - sort of like using morse code really...
Comment by Deorre
Stress Alive
Man Lessons
Comment by Deorre
Stress Alive
Man Lessons
Huh.
Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
I'm sure I ran with the Luddite guy, back at the turn of the industrial epoch...*lol* although despite the fact that I was born PDE (pre-digital enhancement), old dinosaurs have had to learn new tricks, haven't we? So, I guess even an old dog like me is still evolving (or devolving) - perhaps just not as fast...*rofl, creak*
My children amaze me with their speed and agility at picking up the new things, just like I used to, just from a quick 30 second advertisement. They've got it and understand intrinsically, and like you it makes me wonder, where does that instant recognition come from?
I have some old LP's and EP's left from what my youngest daughter (10), calls the "Black Disc" era - when Mum was young... *cracks me up* I had to take her to find a Grammaphone the other week to show her how you got sound off of them . .. she wrinkled her nose and had that "go figure" look on her face... ((funny))
Great Post,
and thanks again for the compliment,
on enviro...
Lilla ...
Comment by Candice
Only a couple of years ago I thought I was great at computers when my mum used to ask me how to send an email. Now my 9 year old niece is quickly surpassing me with her knowledge and I'm entering dinosaur era. And if I could figure out how to do anything creative on my blog ... well, I think I might just have to get my niece to help me out there.