Studies link excessive smartphone use to memory decline

Recent studies have warned that excessive dependence on smartphones may affect how people use their memory, in a phenomenon known as "digital amnesia," where devices become external storage for information rather than relying solely on the brain, according to the British newspaper The Guardian.

The smartphone has become an "extra memory" for millions, storing phone numbers, appointments, to-do lists, and daily information, which has reduced the need to memorize details as people did in the past.

Psychologists say this shift does not necessarily mean a decline in brain capacity, but rather a change in how people handle information, as they now retrieve data from devices instead of storing it internally.

Scientific studies have clarified that smartphones do not cause permanent memory loss, but complete reliance on them may reduce the practice of mental skills such as memorization and recall, which require ongoing training to maintain their effectiveness.

A 2011 study published in the journal Science, titled "Google Effects on Memory," found that participants from Columbia and Harvard universities were less likely to memorize information if they expected to access it later online, but were better at remembering where to find it.

Researchers noted that relying on external tools to aid memory is not new, but smartphones are different because they are always available and store vast amounts of personal information, making them a constant "extra memory" that accompanies people everywhere.

Impact of navigation apps on spatial memory

A study published in Scientific Reports showed that frequent use of digital navigation systems like Google Maps may be linked to reduced use of natural navigation skills. People who relied more on GPS performed worse in certain navigation tasks when asked to rely solely on their memory.

Similarly, research by British scientist Eleanor Maguire on London taxi drivers revealed that intensive navigation training is associated with changes in the hippocampus region of the brain, confirming that the brain adapts according to the skills used regularly.

The risk of notifications and attention distraction

The potential impact of smartphones is not limited to information storage, but also includes usage patterns. Constant notifications and rapid switching between apps can distract attention and affect the brain's ability to focus—a key step in forming lasting memories.