Relying on digital devices more than your own memory for information may lead to forgetfulness or digital amnesia, say experts
Relying on digital devices more than your own memory for information may lead to forgetfulness or digital amnesia, say experts
What is your best friend’s cellphone number Or what did you do during the weekend If you may find it difficult to answer these questions, it is because the Internet is weakening your memory. That’s digital amnesia for you — a phenomenon that is proving to be a problem because of our over-dependence to the Internet.
A survey, which was conducted on 1,007 Indians by Kaspersky Lab earlier this year, revealed that 50 per cent of the survey group treats the Internet as an extension of their brain, and since 73 per cent of them use their smart phones to connect to the Internet. The survey further revealed that almost 50 per cent Indians aren’t interested in remembering facts as much as they are interested in remembering the source for it. Psychologists we spoke to, tell us that this sort of digital dependence is indeed worrying, but there are solutions to put a halt on this kind of over-reliance. Outsourcing memory Technology and the Internet make it easier to access information and eliminate the need to manually note down important phone numbers in a diary or even create an organiser — a few taps, and the task is done. Tech writer Ershad Kaleebullah notes, “The average Indian spends more time looking at a smart phone screen than a television today. Google takes care of your day-to-day activities and pre-plans your day for you. For instance, today I don’t have to enter in my Google calendar that there is a flight on ‘x’ date at ‘y’ time. Google does that on its own. There is a downside to it: Pervasive technology looks futuristic and might be the way forward, but it has its repercussions. One of these is digital amnesia.”
Digital dependence Psychiatrist Dr. Shefali Batra explains that dependence on technology in the the long-term hinders the build-up of long-term memories.She explains that we aren’t exactly to be blamed for it — today we don’t remember information but we can easily recall where it is stored and that’s the shift. She says, “The brain always accepts an easier solution — it’s human nature. Smartphones and tech devices make life easier by organising schedules or storing details. People want to make sure that they do their best to not forget important birthdays, anniversaries and day-today schedules. So they seek the help of a reliable friend — the Internet.” Solution at hand There are ways to overcome this tech complication. One way to start is to switch off tech devices on weekends. Psychologist Khyati Birla suggests, “Switching off on weekends is beneficial since it will help you relax for whole of two days without any interruption. An individual could also practice a digital-free hour everyday. Meditation too can help calm the mind. Spending time on memory games also helps to keep the mind sharp and improve concentration. Talk to people instead of playing games or using Whatsapp. This will ensure that you aren’t all that dependent on tech.”
