• The New York Times, Monday, June 7, 2010 12:10 PM

The New York Times investigates the always-on, perpetually-wired consumer. "Scientists say juggling email, phone calls and other incoming information can change how people think and behave," writes The Times. Indeed, "Scientists are discovering that even after the multitasking ends, fractured thinking and lack of focus persist." Leading brain scientist Nora Volkow tells the paper: "The technology is rewiring our brains."

Meanwhile, neuroscientist Adam Gazzaley believes that the nonstop interactivity is one of the most significant shifts ever in what The Times calls, "the human environment." "We are exposing our brains to an environment and asking them to do things we weren't necessarily evolved to do," he said. "We know already there are consequences." On a purely quantitative note, The Times cites new research that computer users at work now change windows or check email or other programs nearly 37 times an hour.

Read the whole story at The New York Times »