May 10, 2005, 10:09 AM — In case dealing with Internet security issues and staying current with Internet technology is not enough to worry about, a new study out of the UK suggests that using the Internet can reduce your intelligence.
The study, sponsored by Hewlett Packard, finds that two-thirds of adults are "addicted" to checking their email and electronic messages, even outside office hours and on holidays. Half of those surveyed will respond to email within 60 minutes, and one in five are happy to interrupt a business or social meeting to respond to email or phone messages.
The study characterizes this messaging addition as "info-mania". The most worrisome finding of the study, though, is the effect that "info-mania" has on workers' measured intelligence.
According to the study, "Far from making workers more productive, the findings of a new scientific experiment reveal that those who 'over juggle' and who constantly disrupt meetings and important tasks to read and respond to messages, significantly reduce their IQ."
Based on a series of tests carried out by the University of London Institute of Psychiatry's Dr Glenn Wilson, an average worker's functioning IQ falls ten points when distracted by ringing telephones and incoming emails. This effective IQ drop is more than double the effect of smoking marijuana, and greater than the impact of missing an entire night of sleep.
"This is a very real and widespread phenomenon," according to Dr Wilson. "Info-Mania, if unchecked, will damage a worker's performance by reducing their mental sharpness. Companies should encourage a more balanced and appropriate way of working."
The study attributes the loss of mental acuity to the interruptions created by messaging technology. Constant shifting of concentration makes the brain more tired and less focused, and causes the temporary IQ fall-off.
To combat the effects of these Internet interruptions, HP has adopted internal policies for using messaging devices. In addition, they have published a guide to avoiding the effects of "info-mania". The guide includes recommendations for dealing with email and messaging devices to deal with them productively and professionally.
The guide is available as a free download from the HP UK site.
