In an experiment created to determine how likely we would be to reach for a computer or smartphone to answer questions, participants were divided into two groups to answer some challenging trivia questions – one group used its memory, the other used Google. Participants were then given the option of answering subsequent easier questions by the method of their choice.
Those who used the internet to gain information were found to be ‘significantly’ more likely to revert to Google for subsequent questions than those who relied on memory. Not only did they spend less time trying to remember before reaching for the Internet, they were also more likely to do it again – and to do it more quickly.
Apparently, 30% of participants who previously consulted the Internet failed to even attempt to answer a single simple question from memory.
Should we be surprised? The answer is probably ‘no’. People have integrated phones and tablets into their lives to the point where they feel naked without them.
Yet the paradox is that our brains contain a vast amount of information – neuroscientists estimate between 10 and 100Tbyte. Included in there are vital facts like the wife’s birthday or your wedding anniversary, but recalling them is a challenge, so why not go to your phone or the web to find out?
The concept of memory – what it is and how it works – has exercised many scientists over the years. Now, work is in progress on ways to capture our memories, if not download them. Microsoft, for one, is looking at this area – with a potential application being support for those suffering from Alzheimer’s.
There is also work going on into what constitutes consciousness. Might it one day be possible to have a lifetime of memories downloaded onto something like a USB? And if someone works out what consciousness is, might your ‘USB’ be plugged into a machine?
Legendary playwright Dennis Potter considered this more than 20 years ago in his plays Karaoke and Cold Lazarus. Be careful what you might wish for.
