Smartphone use is linked to lazy thinkers

Ever heard of the saying “Use it or lose it.”? You would usually see it used for offers which run for a limited period, but it can also be applied to the brain. If you don’t exercise it regularly, then there’s a chance you’ll lose intellectual activity, especially as you get older.

There was a recent study focused on smartphone use suggesting these devices we carry around in our bags and pockets aren't helping at all, they could even be decreasing our intelligence!

A university in Canada carried out a study of 660 people focused on the intellectual style of participants combined with their smartphone habits. Specifically, they looked at the type of thinkers they are, ranging from very intuitive right through to very analytical. They also looked at verbal and numerical skills.

All the information was then correlated with how heavily each participant used the search engine on their smartphone to look up information. What they found was that the more analytical and the more intelligent the person, the less they used the search engine. That makes sense, because these individuals will already know more information without looking it up. However, the worrying thing is that smartphones are replacing the need to learn.

It used to be the case that if you didn't know something you’d have to go make an effort and actually learn what it was. That process is being replaced with a search engine, meaning the brain isn't getting a work out beyond remembering how to load the search engine and type into the search bar. It is making us lazy, because it is both a quick and easy process.

The university stops short of claiming smartphones decrease intelligence, stating further research would be required for that. However, if you consider how many young children carry a smartphone around today, it’s not hard to imagine how their ability to learn may be inhibited by the always available alternative brain in your pocket.

There is some good news though. While heavy use of a search engine may suggest things about your intelligence, viewing media or using social networks does not. Apparently there is no link found between those services and intellectual activity. But if you have ever read some comments on social networks, it’s easy to spot the less intelligent people out there. 

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Written By: Christine Romans
CopyWriter at The Computer Guyz Cape Town