Aspects of the human cultural environment that are changing especially rapidly are computer technology and the ways in which people gather information. In the past, information was based on environmental cues derived from sights, sounds, smells, and tactile sensations. Although these sensory sources of information are still very important, people are increasingly turning to the Internet for information and social contact. What effect will this change have on our brains? As we have argued throughout this text, our brains coevolved with technology and language development, and it is reasonable to think that evolutionary processes continue for the brain. But like so much of what has occurred in the last hundred or so years, the pace of technological change is becoming faster and faster. One concern is that as our brains adapt to new technological innovations, there may be decreases in the development of social skills (Small and Vogan, 2008). Brain plasticity is well known, as demonstrated by the brains of musicians (showing more gray matter in the areas of the brain responsible for finger movement) and athletes (more neurons for hand-eye coordination), so it is reasonable to assume that spending hours on the Internet searching for information and playing computer games will result in brain modifications that are different from those seen in our grandparents and great grandparents. This is not the same as evolution, of course, but it does suggest that the distinctive human brain is being modified by technology in new and unforeseen ways. The speed of change also raises concerns about generational differences and what has become known as the “digital divide.” Other concerns include addiction to Internet browsing, decreased attention span, and effects on young children (Fig. 16-20). In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics has issued a warning against too much screen time (computers and television) for children under age 2 for fear of negative consequences for the rapidly developing brain in those years (AAP, 2001). On the other hand, there is evidence that becoming proficient in Internet skills may have a positive effect on the aging brain (Small et al., 2009).