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.
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