Technology has become an undeniable ally in organizing and storing information. However, a recent study conducted by Kaspersky Lab has revealed that the constant use of digital devices is weakening the human ability to store information in a lasting way. The study interviewed 6,000 adults in several European countries and identified a growing phenomenon called “digital amnesia.” This term describes the tendency of people to rely on computers and smartphones to store and access information rather than relying on their memory.
Digital Addiction and Memory Loss
Researcher Maria Wimber, from the University of Birmingham, warns that excessive use of technology to search for information harms the formation of long-term memories. According to the expert, our brain "stores" information more efficiently when remembering something. However, when we constantly turn to the internet to obtain data, we do not stimulate the memorization process, and consequently, we do not create solid and lasting memories. This occurs because, depending on devices to access information, our brain gets used to treating it as temporary, making it easier to forget data not physically stored in the brain's memory.
The Impact of Storing Information Digitally
The research also revealed that many people now store personal memories, such as photographs, exclusively in digital format. While practical, this comes with several risks, such as data loss due to technological failures or information theft, and makes us less likely to internalize the moments we capture meaningfully.
Relying on devices to store these memories may reduce our ability to remember events as they happen. Recording something on a digital device does not involve the same cognitive effort.
The Cognitive Impact
This replacement of mental effort by technology is not neutral. According to Lisa Aziz-Zadeh of the University of Southern California, sensory and motor activities, such as handwriting, involve areas of the brain associated with learning and memorization. Frequent use of digital devices reduces this sensory interaction, affecting information retention and creativity.
The 'Extension' of the Digital Brain
Kaspersky’s research also highlights that people view their digital devices as an “extension” of their brain. This behavior change is associated with the concept of “digital amnesia,” where an over-reliance on technology leads to people forgetting important information simply because they believe they can access it instantly via the internet. As a result, people don’t bother to memorize specific data because they know they can always find it online.
The Impact of 'Digital Amnesia'
The study also revealed that more than a third of respondents said they would look for information on digital devices such as smartphones and computers rather than using their memory. This reflects a growing habit of “offloading” our memories to technology, which can have long-term effects on our ability to remember and learn effectively.
In addition, the research indicates that dependence on digital devices has a significant emotional impact, especially when losing essential data stored digitally. This highlights the need for excellent data protection and information security awareness, as losing a device can cause significant stress and distress.
Conclusion
While technology has become an indispensable extension of the human brain, its influence requires balance. On the one hand, it offers convenience and accessibility; on the other, it threatens essential cognitive abilities, such as memorization and deep learning.
The concept of “digital amnesia” makes us reflect on how the ease of accessing data on the Internet may weaken our ability to memorize information in a solid and lasting way.
The key to preserving human memory while enjoying the benefits of technology may lie in a conscious and balanced approach that allows us to use digital devices as auxiliary tools rather than as complete replacements for mental storage and processing.
Simple practices, such as writing down information by hand, reinforcing essential memories, and limiting the use of devices in everyday activities, help protect our memory.
References:
https://www.bbc.com/portuguese/noticias/2015/10/151007_dependencia_memoria_digital_lgb#:~:text=Trata%2Dse%20da%20chamada%20%22amn%C3%A9sia,na%20internet%2C%20informa%20a%20pesquisa.
Comments