Comic #5907: mind-3

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Description

Here’s a detailed description of the comic:

Panel 1
A person with curly hair asks, “Dad, why are old people so absent-minded?”
A seated man, presumably the father, responds, “As people age, their brains change.”

Panel 2
The comic transitions to describe changes in the brain over time.
Text reads: “Over time, ever larger portions of the neocortex are devoted exclusively to winning imaginary arguments with news commentators. I’m actually doing this right now!”

Panel 3
A character indicative of middle age is shown with scattered mumbling depicted as nonsensical text, including “HRNNNGNNNG. NRGGGHHH, NO YOU SIR ARE GRRRNAAG FACT OF THE MATTER IS THAT GGGSSGSHHHH.”

Panel 4
An older individual is shown yelling at a television screen, saying, “THAT PROVES NOTHING, ALISON! NOTHING!”

Panel 5
Text explains changes in brain functions: “At last, brain regions formerly responsible for vital functions like breathing and cardiac function are commandeered to more accurately simulate ideological opponents’ stunned and ashamed silence.”
A character replies with, “I’m sorry, he is no longer here. That final brain spike serves no known purpose.”

Panel 6
A child asks, “Is there any way to stop it?”
The response is, “In theory it can be slowed by not watching 24/7 news analysis, but nobody’s willing to test that on human adults.”

The comic uses humor to explore the cognitive changes associated with aging and the impact of media consumption.