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When was the last time that you dialed a phone number from memory? It probably depends on how long you’ve been using technology like a cellphone. While some generations can recall the days of memorizing phone numbers, it’s possible that members of Generation Z have never had to remember a single contact. Why is this? Because smartphones offer quick and convenient ways for storing and accessing information. There is no need to memorize anything. But this isn’t without consequence. As digital devices develop more and more, users’ heavy reliance on them may be having crippling effects. “Digital dementia” is the term being used by medical professionals to identify some of these effects.
Some professionals like Jim Kwik, an expert in memory improvement and optimal brain performance, are taking a closer look at this effect. Kwik describes digital dementia like this: “… we’re outsourcing our brains to our smart devices.” He continues, “We’re so reliant on our smartphones that our smartphones are making us stupid.” As medical studies chart the decline in memory and cognitive skills among smartphone users, a connection is made between symptoms associated with dementia. |