Artificial Intelligence Could Lead to Decreased Independent Thinking, Warns Memory Expert
In today's digital age, technology has become an integral part of our lives. However, a growing body of research suggests that excessive reliance on technology, particularly digital devices and artificial intelligence (AI), can have detrimental effects on our cognitive abilities, particularly memory and critical thinking.
Dr. Charan Ranganath, a memory expert and author of the book Why We Remember, sheds light on this issue. His interest in the human mind was sparked by his struggle with engineering and his work with patients with memory problems. Dr. Ranganath's research reveals that a low mood can make it easier to recall negative experiences and interpret past events more negatively.
Relying too heavily on technology can lead to what is often referred to as 'digital amnesia'—where people increasingly forget details like phone numbers or important dates because such information is stored externally on devices. This dependency is linked to declines in the ability to retain and recall information.
Moreover, excessive technology use, including prolonged screen time and social media engagement, correlates with reduced verbal and cognitive skills, poor concentration, and difficulties with sustained focus and deep thinking. This rewiring effect of technology use can hinder critical thinking, reasoning, and analytical skills, as studies consistently show that overreliance on AI is associated with lower critical thinking scores and diminished decision-making abilities.
Tools like spell-checkers and calculators, while convenient, may weaken related cognitive functions such as spelling and memorization due to less active mental engagement. The global trend shows a concerning drop in foundational skills, including numeracy and literacy, which may partly result from this cognitive outsourcing to technology.
However, it's important to note that not all technology use is detrimental. Some argue that delegating cognitive tasks to technology is analogous to outsourcing physical labor and could be beneficial if balanced appropriately. The issue arises when technology use displaces natural cognitive effort, potentially eroding intellectual potential over time.
On a positive note, memory is crucial for self-definition and navigating life. It helps us understand the present and prepare for the future by prioritising important experiences. Memory requires effort and should be actively decided upon, focusing on moments that matter to us.
Gratitude practice can help break out of negative memory loops, while reflecting on one small positive event from the last 24 hours can shift your mood and surface more positive memories. Habit learning happens without conscious effort and is distinct from memory recall.
In his book, Dr. Ranganath explores the challenges AI poses to our cognitive abilities and offers tools to cultivate a healthier memory. He argues that AI doesn't actually remember, but it can shape how we communicate and learn. Nostalgia may lead to irrational decision-making, but investing in creating good memories is important since they are all we carry with us.
However, digital habits, such as those found in the "attention economy", can condition the brain for immediate gratification and undermine our ability to focus on long-term tasks. There is a condition called Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory (HSAM) where individuals have an extraordinary ability to recall personal experiences in vivid detail, which can be a burden for some.
In conclusion, striking a balance between leveraging technology as a helpful aid and maintaining active mental engagement is crucial for preserving and developing human cognitive abilities. It's essential to remember that technology is a tool, and like any tool, it should be used wisely to maximise its benefits and minimise its potential drawbacks.
- Technology's integration into our lives extends to various aspects, such as health-and-wellness, mental-health, culture, travel, news, sports, technology, environment, weather, and lifestyle.
- Dr. Ranganath's research on memory reveals that a low mood can enhance recollection of negative experiences and sway perceptions of past events negatively.
- Prolonged use of technology, incorporating extended screen time and social media engagements, is linked to declines in verbal and cognitive skills, poor concentration, and learning difficulties.
- Technology's rewiring effect on brain functions can potentially hinder critical thinking, reasoning, and analytical skills, given the association between overreliance on AI and lower critical thinking scores.
- Although tools like spell-checkers and calculators are convenient, they may contribute to weakening related cognitive functions due to decreased active mental engagement.
- balancing the use of technology with active mental engagement is essential in preserving and growing human cognitive abilities, and it's essential to remember that technology is merely a tool, and its benefits can be optimized while minimizing potential drawbacks.
