Technological advancement has seen the world transition into a digital age with the use of the internet. This has resulted in the development of advanced search engines that have access to information fast and easy. Technology largely provides solutions to multiple problems. This notwithstanding, there are multiple disadvantages that accompany any good invention (Diomidous, 2016). Of major concern in regards to Google and other search engines is the effects they have on the human brain and psychology.
Different studies explore the direct effect of internet on the brain. One study postulated that human beings are becoming more reliant on internet as a transactive and external memory bank where people store information externally. It is therefore implied that the dependence on search engines impairs one’s memory abilities by making it harder to recall information (Siler, 2013).
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The dependence on internet and computers uses the principles of transactive memory processes similar to those employed during social interaction and sharing of information. The studies explain that people easily share information as they relate want for information to computers. The direct effect is demonstrated in the levels of memory recall whereby most people forget information that they perceive will always be available within the search engines. Furthermore, people enhance transactive memories in remembering where information is stored as opposed to the information stored.
The human brain and mental faculties are adapting to the new advancements in developing some form of symbiotic relations reducing the mental capacity of memory and reasoning as the search engines will often provide solutions and information one needs (Sparrow, 2011). This leads to dependance on information stored online since it is always available anytime.
In conclusion, despite the positive outcomes of technological advancements and the advent of internet search engines, there are some negative effects that are associated with the same. The constant dependence on internet sources affects one’s psychology in increasing dependence to it as a memory source. Additionally, the ability to recall information is significantly decreased in addition to the decrease in mental capacity and reasoning abilities. To effectively minimize these effects, one has to make a conscious decision and effect to explore other sources of information such as books, and reduce the value placed on internet search engines altogether.
References
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