Invisible danger of our age: “Digital amnesia”!

We do not memorize phone numbers and we save our appointments on the smartphones' calendar. Excessive reliance on digital devices and the Internet causes "digital amnesia", that is, our ability to keep information in our memory.

Expressing increasing concerns that over-reliance on technology can harm our natural memory functions, experts draw attention to the negative impact of digital addiction on our ability to store and remember information.

Evaluating how artificial intelligence and digital tools affect cognitive functions, Head of the Department of Computer Engineering Prof. Burhan Pektaş stated that "The phenomenon known as 'digital amnesia' or the 'Google effect' shows that people are less likely to remember information that they can easily search for on the Internet."

Üsküdar University Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Computer Engineering Department Head Prof. Burhan Pektaş evaluated how artificial intelligence and digital tools affect cognitive functions.

What is the effect of AI-powered applications on our memory?

Pointing out that the debate on whether artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools improve our cognitive functions, especially memory, is more important than ever in an age where technology is in every aspect of our lives, Prof. Burhan Pektaş stated that "As we increasingly rely on smartphones, smart assistants, and AI-powered applications to manage our daily tasks, an important question arises: Do these technologies help us by reducing our cognitive load, or do they damage our natural memory by making us overly dependent?"

Are they designed to reduce the burden on our memory?

Noting that technology advocates argue that digital tools and artificial intelligence are designed to reduce the burden on our memory by efficiently performing routine tasks and providing instant access to information, Prof. Burhan Pektaş stated that "For example, digital calendars, reminders, and note-taking applications help us manage schedules, tasks, and important dates without the need for constant mental juggling. This allows individuals to focus on more complex and creative tasks, potentially increasing productivity and mental well-being."

There are concerns that over-reliance on technology can damage memory

Emphasizing that there are increasing concerns that over-reliance on technology may harm our natural memory functions, Prof. Burhan Pektaş continued his remarks as follows:

"Cognitive scientists and psychologists have been alarmed about the potential negative impact of digital addiction on our ability to store and remember information. The phenomenon known as 'digital amnesia' or the 'Google effect' suggests that people are less likely to remember information that they can easily search for on the Internet.

It is necessary to use technology wisely

The impact of artificial intelligence and technology on memory is a multifaceted topic with both positive and negative consequences. Despite the fact that these tools undeniably reduce our cognitive load and increase productivity, there is a valid concern about their potential to erode our natural memory abilities. As technology continues to evolve, it is essential to use it wisely and maintain practices that support cognitive health. Ultimately, the goal should be to strike a balance in which technology serves as an aid, not a crutch, in our pursuit of knowledge and efficiency."

A balanced approach to using digital tools and maintaining cognitive health is important

Sharing his views on the "Google effect" (information that is one click away does not have a permanent effect on our memory), Prof. Burhan Pektaş stated that "The 'Google effect', also known as digital amnesia, refers to the tendency of people to forget information that they can easily find on the Internet. This phenomenon occurs because individuals rely on search engines like Google to store and retrieve information, rather than storing it in their own memory. The term 'Google effect' highlights how modern technology, particularly search engines, is changing the way we store and remember information, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to using digital tools and maintaining cognitive health."

Attention is very important for encoding, storing, and retrieving information

Emphasizing that the relationship between attention and memory is a fundamental aspect of cognitive psychology, Prof. Burhan Pektaş continued his remarks as follows: "Attention is very important for encoding, storing and retrieving information. Memory, on the other hand, relies on attention processes to function effectively. There are many ways to link attention and memory in the form of 'encoding', 'storage', 'retrieval', 'attention and working memory'. Attention is a critical component of the memory process and affects how information is encoded, stored, and retrieved. By understanding and optimizing their attention processes, individuals can improve their memory abilities and overall cognitive performance."

Critical thinking should be applied within the framework of moral values

Noting that in today's world where information is abundant and easily accessible, the most important thing to keep in mind is the application of critical thinking within the framework of moral values, Prof. Burhan Pektaş stated that "Evaluating the reliability of information, analyzing and interpreting information, applying it ethically, engaging in constructive dialogues, being open to continuous learning and adaptation, and integrating moral values are critical in this process. To succeed in the information age, it is necessary to use information responsibly and ethically, combining critical thinking with moral foundations. This approach makes it possible to make informed decisions that will benefit both individually and on a societal level."

 

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)