Technology Has Had a Negative Effect on Memory

Technology Has Had a Negative Effect on Memory

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Technology Has Had a Negative Effect on Memory

Technology has been the mainstream of the contemporary world. We use technology daily in most of our activities, including learning. Through technology, we gain access to extensive information resources to increase our knowledge. However, researchers have discovered that technology may equally harm our information retention abilities (Gregorie, 2013). In particular, the use of technology in learning affects the capacity to hold information in short-term memory. Besides, the introduction of technology encourages people to store information in technological tools instead of their brains hence hindering knowledge. The dilemma provided by technology may alter the working memory and ultimately lead to impairment.

Technology provides vast information that may sometimes overload our brains, leading to difficulties in retaining information. While using the internet in a single session, it may be difficult to keep information since one has to skim through several files while reading. According to Gregorie (2013), the knowledge gained is continuously replaced by new information before sticking into the memory. Consequently, the data is only retained in the brain for a short time. Besides, it makes it difficult for the reader to make a proper understanding of the information since they take little time to internalize it. Thus, the endless facts gathered through the internet within a short session prove to be less meaningless to the reader since they lack a clear connection.

The use of technology in learning is vulnerable to distractions that make memory formation difficult. Strong memories are made through the incorporation of attentive learning approaches (Thompson, 2009). A leaning environment that enables people to pay attention to results in the formation of memories. However, the use of the internet is accompanied by advertisements and popups that divert learners’ attention. Besides, the technology encourages multitasking since the student can open multiple tabs, including their social media, which further contribute to the distraction. Thus, people find it difficult to form memories and retrieve the information when required. This is because the neural circuit of the brain works effectively when a person’s attention is retained while learning. Therefore, the understanding of information for such learners is limited and less information is retained.

Technology contributes to the loss of meaning concerning some facts due to the overloaded information. Learning sessions conducted using technological tools like computers encourage students to isolate information without proper analysis. This includes the lack of consent of the broader perspective that the report serves in enhancing our understanding of a particular topic. Thus Thompson (2009) argues that this makes it difficult for the learners to understand the small details that are part of the broader picture. According to psychology, this phenomenon is referred to as the Baker-baker paradox. This paradox is concerned with understanding small details based on a comprehensive understanding of the broader information. When people understand the full picture, it also enhances their ability to recall particular details.

The use of technology, particularly for the youths of the contemporary generations, has led to the degeneration of their memories. According to research conducted in 2013, most teenagers who use technology more often are likely to forget primary roles, such as taking showers ((Gregorie, 2013). This problem is more familiar with youths and teenagers who spend most of their time on technology than adults. Therapists also agree that most young adults are fond of this problem since their experience with technology leads to the development of disorders such as Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This problem is caused by a lack of sleep and multitasking while using technology for various purposes.

The dilemma of technology has negatively impacted the functioning of our memories, especially the retention of information. This is due to the overload information provided by the tools that divert our attention and information processing. Also, subjection to various distractions while using technology discourages proper understanding. Consequently, people who depend on technology may develop disorders such as ADHD that relatively reduce the effectiveness of their brain functioning. Therefore, the use of technology harms our memory.

Reference

Gregorie, C. (2013, October 11). How Technology Is Warping Your Memory. Retrieved from https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/technology-changes-memory_n_4414778?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&

Thompson, C. (2009, August). Forgetful by Design. Retrieved from http://proxy.library.niagarac.on.ca:8080/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/274383765?accountid=39476