More evidence, as if we needed it, that we need to make more of an effort to balance our work and personal lives.
Researchers have found that the brains of 'digital natives' are developing to deal more efficiently with searching and filtering large amounts of information, and making quick decisions. On the down side, that behaviour is changing the brain's neural patterns impairing the social skills of heavy web users (what's new?) and even triggering an increase in conditions like Attention Deficit Disorder.
"We're seeing an evolutionary change," said UCLA neuroscientist Gary Small. "The people in the next generation who are really going to have the edge are the ones who master the technological skills and also face-to-face skills.
"The brain is very specialised in its circuitry and if you repeat mental tasks over and over it will strengthen certain neural circuits and ignore others.
"But you can take steps to address this. It means taking time to cut back on technology, like having a family dinner, to find a balance. It is important to understand how technology is affecting our lives and our brains and take control of it."
How we all feel after a heavy day's computing... Photograph: adactio/Flickr/Some rights reserved
