Communications technology changes possibilities for communication, but that doesn't mean it changes the inherited structure of the brain. So you may think that you're addicted to online reading, but as soon as it isn't available anymore, your brain will pretty immediately adjust to other forms of reading. It's a habit like all habits.

In this quote, Margaret Atwood, a renowned Canadian author, explores the relationship between communication technology and the human brain. She argues that while advancements in technology, such as the rise of the internet and digital media, have expanded the possibilities for how we communicate, they do not fundamentally alter the structure of the brain. Atwood suggests that, while technology can create new habits and preferences, it does not permanently change the way our brains function or how we adapt to different forms of communication.

Atwood’s statement also addresses the concept of addiction to digital media, particularly the phenomenon of online reading. She notes that while people may feel addicted to reading online or consuming digital content, the human brain is adaptable. If access to digital media were suddenly removed, the brain would quickly adjust and find alternative ways to engage with reading or other forms of communication. This adaptability shows that habits are not ingrained in the brain permanently, but are flexible and can shift depending on circumstances.

The quote highlights the distinction between habit and neurological change. Atwood argues that technology may influence our behavior and create new habits, but these habits are not hardwired into the brain. The human brain is capable of adjusting to changes in its environment, and once the new form of communication or consumption is no longer available, it will quickly adapt to different forms. This perspective challenges the notion that technology is reshaping our brains in profound and permanent ways.

Ultimately, Atwood's quote underscores the resilience and plasticity of the human brain. It suggests that while technology can influence our behaviors and the way we interact with information, it does not fundamentally change the nature of how we process or engage with the world. Habits can be formed and broken, and the brain remains adaptable to different modes of communication.