Daniel, that remains an important question. While I’ve found no definitive answer on that, one brain fact to factor in is the notion that the brain cannot distinguish between and internal reality and an external reality. For the brain there may be no strict distinction between “virtual” and “real” (it’s all “real” to the brain). We do have mediating mechanism that protect us from that phenomenon. Our mind disconnects the brain from the body when we’re sleeping so we don’t hurt ourselves, for example.

When those mechanism break down we get in trouble, like sleepwalking, or experiencing what we’d call hallucinations (where the case is not that the brain “thinks” it sees or hears something that’s not there—the brain actually perceives, SEES or HEARS it!).

In terms of learning, in a world market of ideas and concepts, time and space may not be always key to learning.

The youth were emailing/texting one another (mere inches from each other!).

DEG

A few months back, I was at a social event with our church youth (Super Bowl party). Instead of speaking with one another, they were texting/emailing on blackberries the whole time. I’m no technophobe, but I am wondering how these social brain concepts apply (or don’t) in this new world where relationship has been redefined.

I’m not necessarily fishing for an answer (don’t know if there is one), just seeking to process my questioning.

Thanks for the food for thought, Dr. G. Hope you’re doing well.