We don't memorize phone numbers; we save our appointments to smartphone calendars. Over-reliance on digital devices and the internet leads to a weakening of our ability to retain information in our memories, in other words, “Digital amnesia”.
Experts, stating that concerns are growing about over-reliance on technology potentially harming our natural memory functions, draw attention to the negative impact of digital addiction on our ability to store and recall information.
Evaluating how artificial intelligence and digital tools affect cognitive functions, Head of the Computer Engineering Department Prof. Dr. Burhan Pektaş said, “The phenomenon known as 'Digital amnesia' or the 'Google effect' shows that people are less likely to remember information they can easily search for online.”
Prof. Dr. Burhan Pektaş, Head of the Computer Engineering Department at Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences (MDBF), evaluated how artificial intelligence and digital tools affect cognitive functions.
What is the impact of AI-powered applications on our memory?
Prof. Dr. Burhan Pektaş pointed out that in an era where technology permeates every aspect of our lives, the debate over whether artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools enhance and strengthen our cognitive functions, especially memory, is more important than ever, saying, “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 harm our natural memory by making us overly dependent?”
Were they designed to reduce the burden on our memory?
Noting that technology advocates claim digital tools and AI are designed to reduce the burden on our memory by efficiently performing routine tasks and providing instant access to information, Prof. Dr. Burhan Pektaş said, “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 harm memory
Prof. Dr. Burhan Pektaş emphasized that concerns are growing about over-reliance on technology potentially harming our natural memory functions and continued:
“Cognitive scientists and psychologists have raised alarms about the potential negative impact of digital dependence on our ability to store and recall information. The phenomenon known as ‘Digital amnesia’ or the ‘Google effect’ shows that people are less likely to remember information they can easily search for online.”
Technology needs to be used intelligently
The impact of artificial intelligence and technology on memory is a multifaceted issue with both positive and negative consequences. Although these tools undeniably reduce our cognitive load and increase productivity, there is a valid concern about their potential to erode our natural memory capabilities. As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial to use it wisely and maintain practices that support cognitive health. Ultimately, the goal should be to strike a balance where technology serves as an aid, not a crutch, in our pursuit of knowledge and efficiency.”
A balanced approach to using digital tools and preserving cognitive health is important
Sharing his views on the “Google effect” (the fact that information just a click away does not have a lasting impact on our memory), Prof. Dr. Burhan Pektaş said, "The ‘Google effect’, also known as digital amnesia, refers to the tendency of people to forget information 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 committing it to their own memory. The term ‘Google effect’ highlights how modern technology, especially search engines, has changed the way we store and recall information, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to using digital tools and preserving cognitive health."
Attention is crucial for encoding, storing, and retrieving information
Prof. Dr. Burhan Pektaş emphasized that the relationship between attention and memory is a fundamental aspect of cognitive psychology and continued:
“Attention is crucial for encoding, storing, and retrieving information; memory, in turn, relies on attentional processes to function effectively. There are many ways attention and memory are linked, such as ‘encoding’, ‘storage’, ‘retrieval’, ‘attention, and working memory’. Attention is a critical component of the memory process, influencing how information is encoded, stored, and retrieved. By understanding and optimizing attentional processes, individuals can enhance their memory capabilities and overall cognitive performance.”
Critical thinking should be applied within the framework of moral values
Prof. Dr. Burhan Pektaş noted that in today's world where information is abundant and easily accessible, the most important thing to remember is that critical thinking should be applied within the framework of moral values, stating, “Evaluating information reliability, analyzing and interpreting information, applying it ethically, engaging in constructive dialogues, being open to continuous learning and adaptation, and integrating moral values are critically important in this process. To succeed in the information age, it is necessary to combine critical thinking with moral foundations and use information responsibly and ethically. This approach enables informed decisions that will benefit both individual and societal levels.”
