Research calls Google and other influences on human memory
Google is changing the way people think, according to new research. Betsy Sparrow, a researcher at Columbia University, says Google and other search engines are changing the way people think, for example, we remember fewer things, but we know where to look and find what we want on the Internet.
The discussion about whether the Internet has made people stupid is a long-standing one, estimated to be as long as the internet was born. However, there are two things we can understand about the results of Betsy Sparrow, first of all, that interconnection does make us more stupid, or that search engines like Google extend our brain space.
Betsy Sparrow says that if people can't find some information on the Internet, they are more likely to keep that information in mind. Rather than having people remember one thing, they are more likely to remember that they can get answers from the Internet.
Experts call this "interactive memory", where people can generally remember where to get information, not the information itself. This is not a recent occurrence, in the digital era, we have a lot of non-digital "experts"-friends and books. Search engines simplify the process.
Betsy Sparrow explains, "Our brain relies on internet memory just as the brain relies on friends, family, co-workers to remember." We will remember where to find information, not the information itself. ”
In short, if we know where the information is stored, we are no longer mindful. In other words, finding the information process is complex may be a good thing, because it allows the lazy brain to release more task power and memory. It makes us smarter.
Over-reliance on search Baidu Google careful brain change "flush toilet"
Due to the excessive reliance on search engines, so that too many netizens no longer struggle to remember, no longer racked their brains to think, no longer for a point of argument, "Do not remember, do not want, not dispute", has been many urban white-collar most popular internet behavior. "People used to think that their brains should be a reservoir of knowledge, but now the brains of young people are like flush toilets, all knowledge comes in haste, and they lose their basic accumulation," he said. ”
"Search" as the only way to solve the problem is terrible, when encountered problems to search engines, users to provide answers do not need to be responsible, often appear some unhealthy content, this is not strong in the identification of people can even produce misleading. "Knowledge, if not to take the effort to capture, search to the knowledge, although rich, but if not add memory, combination, innovation, it does not belong to you, the so-called search engine in the" "standard answer can not help the dictionary, the rigid textbooks, and even the reprint of the misinformation. Can you travel with your computer anytime, anywhere? Interview with the examiner's difficulties, you have to turn to Google and then answer?
Search as a source of security
Many people are obsessed with web search because they are afraid that there are too many things in their friends ' talk that they don't know about, "they get restless when they are not aware of what they are talking about, and because they can't communicate with people directly to get answers, So I had to immerse myself in the anxiety of being unable to master the vast amount of information. "So people are used to getting all the information they need from the web search, or even becoming a source of their own security, and some people have serious symptoms and the reliance on Web search leads to their loss of communication skills."
"In fact, we do not have to understand every problem, in a friend's conversation, learn to ask questions, but also in interpersonal relationships to win the initiative." ”
Many Europeans have a habit of living: no matter where you go, you seldom carry a computer with you, but carry a book with you, because reading will also promote your memory and thinking, but if you rely on the network, rely on search, it makes you feel that the knowledge is there, you need to search again.
Expert tips to get rid of search dependency syndrome self reminding slowly quit
For many infatuated with the search of white-collar friends, experts suggest: first of all, do not give yourself too high requirements, if already have a search addiction, step-by-step to quit, the first request that their own two Sundays do not touch the computer.
Second, every time you look at the computer have the awareness to remind themselves, ask yourself, do these things are not necessary, to set their own 10-minute search time, if it lasts too long, why not drink a cup of tea, the bathroom, breathe fresh air, divert attention to the computer.
Then, often let yourself argue with your brain: "Do I really need to know these things?" Is this information important to me? If the internet is attracted by the headlines on the Web page, you should stop your curiosity in time.
Finally, to constantly remind yourself that only 24 hours a day, can not indulge in web search and links, because how to rationally use their time determines what kind of life you have.