All in the mind? The surprising truth about brain rot
UC faculty Anthony Chemero cited in article on whether technology denigrates brain function
The human brain is capable of extraordinary function, experts in human and brain behavior say in an article by The Guardian that explores the impact of technology on brain function.
The article states that while it seems like common sense that brain function would decline by the exposure to and reliance on technology —from cell phones to smart cars — there is no definitive research pointing to technology’s enhancement of brain function or the decrease, the latter of which is referred to in popular culture as brain rot.
“Over the history of hominids, many of our biggest challenges have involved adapting to new kinds of environments – and that’s being smart. This is just a new environment we’re in,” Anthony Chemero, a UC professor of philosophy and psychology, says in the article.
Chemero has written extensively on how technology allows the mind to make space for new information: "Technology may change cognition without necessarily harming it."
One example he often cites is how people no longer need to memorize phone numbers because that information is now stored in their cell phones.
“What we really want from technology is to do the things that are difficult and boring, such as lots of complex calculation, rote memorisation: humans just aren’t very good at that without technology.”
Featured image at top by UC Marketing + Brand/Andrew Higley.
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
Bidirectional link between oral, kidney health calls for patient education, access
August 4, 2026
Despite growing awareness of the connection between oral health and chronic health conditions, patient awareness and access to dental care remain limited, according to University of Cincinnati experts who recently spoke with Healio | Nephrology News & Issues.
'Be human in it': UC College of Medicine welcomes Class of 2030 at 31st White Coat Ceremony
August 4, 2026
The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine welcomed 185 first-year medical students in the Class of 2030 at the 31st annual White Coat Ceremony.
UC-built detector at CERN looks for enticing evidence to explain dark matter
August 4, 2026
A physicist from the University of Cincinnati and his research partners from around the world conducted an experiment at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland to look for evidence that might help explain one of science’s most baffling questions: dark matter.