Engaging in puzzles like Sudoku puzzles or immersing yourself in a new hobby, have very similar benefits. Unlike a hobby, the research team highlighted that the Web is less likely to bore users after prolonged use.

The study found that using search engines would create activity in the inferior frontal gyrus and middle frontal gyrus—areas of the brain that are important for short-term memory and decision-making.

The research speculates, but has not proven, that using search engines may help slow down the onset of dementia and slow cognitive decline.

“Becoming involved in new things and keeping your brain active are all hallmarks of activities that would tend to preserve your cognitive skills,” Bookheimer said. “And these are all things that searching the Internet for new information really does.”