Are We At Risk Of Digital Amnesia?

Digital dependence is weakening people’s memories, says a study.

19:36 07 October 2015

A recent study has found that many people use computers instead of memorising information and as a result, people who are overly dependent on computers and search engines have weakened memories.

 

Maria Wimber from the University of Birmingham said that the trend of looking up information “prevents the build-up of long-term memories.”

 

The study, which was participated by 6,000 adults from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxemborg, found that more than 75% would turn to computers instead of recalling information.

 

"Our brain appears to strengthen a memory each time we recall it, and at the same time forget irrelevant memories that are distracting us," said Dr Wimber.

She says that the process of recalling information is a "very efficient way to create a permanent memory".

"In contrast, passively repeating information, such as repeatedly looking it up on the internet, does not create a solid, lasting memory trace in the same way."

 

She added: "There also seems to be a risk that the constant recording of information on digital devices makes us less likely to commit this information to long-term memory, and might even distract us from properly encoding an event as it happens.”