5. What Is the Default Mode Network?
The default mode network (DMN) is a collection of interconnected brain regions, most notably the medial prefrontal cortex and the posterior cingulate cortex. When the DMN is active, our minds often wander—we reflect, recall personal memories, imagine the future, or process social interactions. This network hums in the background, orchestrating our internal thoughts and self-awareness. Rather than being idle, the DMN supports the mental activities that define who we are, even in moments of quiet introspection.