Has Technology Become our Memory?
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I started reading a new book today and was just taken back by the introduction.
In this new age of technology, with televisions, computers, digital recorders, and so much more readily available to find and retrieve any information we might need, the one thing we may be neglecting is that marvelous God-given apparatus that exceeds them all - our brain. We may have become too content to let other people and things do the studying, the searching, and even some of the thinking and evaluating for us.
As a result, even while our brains are being increasingly enriched with sensory input, our memories, creativity, reasoning, communication, and other cognitive abilities may be atrophying in the wake of this increased dependency.
The author then goes on to talk about how we need to use our brain and rely less on technology to do things. As I thought about this I realized this is all too true. I rely on my computer to remember everything for me. I often say I have a bad memory and can’t remember if I don’t write it down (i.e. type it somewhere). That may be partly true, but I think I have also let technology take that over for me.
Wow! Something to think about today… but for heaven’s sake, don’t just bookmark it so you don’t forget, but then end up forgetting about it anyway… do something about it.
Neil Hokanson
The brain: The BEST computer that we all have access to! Available with the most ultimate free and open source operating system anywhere ever created! Excellent points, and something we should all keep in mind. Thanks for sharing this book and some of its ideas.
Feb 27th, 2007 12:18 pm
John Casey
I don’t know if I necessarily agree with you. Sure, we have devices that process computations and store our memories but we also have a large increase in information being delivered to our brains for processing. It’s similar to the growth of the computer. As more information is processed, more power, and memory is needed to support the processing. Our brains are receiving seo much more information these days then a decade ago our brains can’t help but to have to increase is capacity and memory to support the information.
Feb 27th, 2007 12:38 pm
Jeff VanDrimmelen
I can see where are coming from. Yes, there is a ton more information that is coming our way and technology helps us organize it in a way that is processable (is that a word?). But that being said, I have found myself relying too much on that technology. I can’t remember things I should be able to remember because I know I can go and look it up. Most of the time that works just fine… but every once in a while it doesn’t work.
On an another note, I don’t think our brains are any more complex now that they were a decade ago. In fact, I would argue that we have lost some of the sharpness that we once had because we don’t exercise some of those skills anymore. Technology has replaced it..
Feb 27th, 2007 12:40 pm
Sérgio Caiado
Hi,
It’s really an increase of information, no doubt about that, but I’m astounded with the potential that the latest tools have on my life right now.
But obviously this has different effects on each of us…
Every day I learn lots of things that I find useful. I just have to organize them efficiently… but after that I don’t share the idea that we are loosing our sharpness if I can call it this way. I do much more things right now than before… and believe me I enjoy being with my friends, relaxing, going to the beach, taking a walk, ride my bike, etc… besides working and studying…
The great thing is that I have much more time to think… and my brain is constantly “processing” all that I’ve read and coming up with good ideas.
And I’m feeling pretty happy about that
Regards from Lisbon, Portugal
Feb 27th, 2007 5:12 pm
Kristin
wow, i’m writing a speech about this exact topic. it’s so true. we’ve let technology take the place of our memories. thanks for the post, it was a great help for me!
Nov 24th, 2007 7:10 pm
joseph parsons
yes i think people do rely on technology because alot of people rely on cell phones, ipods, curling irons, especially woman
Apr 15th, 2008 10:20 am