Study: Surfing The Net Is Good For Your Brain

Some of what a recent study released by the MacArthur Foundation found is something virtually every adult knows: Teen-agers use online networks to extend the friendships that they navigate in the familiar contexts of school, religious organizations, sports and other local activities. In addition, a fewer kids also use the online world to explore interests and find information that goes beyond what they have access to at school or in their local community. Less obvious is that the study's findings suggest teens engage in peer-based, self-directed learning online, through both friendship-driven and interest-driven online activity. In other words, those hours spent surfing the Net may be educational.

The report aims to inject grounded research into the conversation about the future of learning in a digital world. The researchers, who interviewed more than 800 teen-agers during a three-year period, found that by playing and interacting with different types of new media, they were learning technological skills as well as media literacy. That includes time spent on Facebook, MySpace, etc. For example, by joining various groups, kids learned how to create video or games, or customize Web pages. Because their creations are shared online, they receive feedback from others immediately. "By its immediacy and breadth of information, the digital world lowers barriers to self-directed learning," according to the report.

The study also noted that the common perception of the lone "geek" is not applicable as much in the online world. Once online, those teens who "geek out" are social and engaged, though usually not driven primarily by local friendships. These youths are motivated by the idea of improving their skills and gaining a reputation among expert peers. They seek specialized knowledge groups comprising both teens and adults who can physically be anywhere in the world.