Digital amnesia

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Do you remember any five phone numbers from your contact list?

Do you constantly surf the internet for the tiniest bit of information?

Do you feel helpless with your memory without looking into your gadgets?

If yes, you could be one of the victims of DIGITAL AMNESIA. 



Illustrated by Drishya Unnithan

Digital amnesia is when you have difficulty in remembering things like phone numbers, or important dates because you are assured your phone is going to do it for you. 

DA is forgetfulness, a loss in your memorizing power,  because of too much dependence on the digital platform for its memory.


The use of devices for storage of information is believed to be a way of making up new space in our brains for new information. However, we have become too reliant on these devices causing our memory to short-circuit.


Not only does it affect the memory power, but also concentration, or as we like to call it the ‘attention span’. Instances like not reading articles just due to its length, inability to retain the information we browsed earlier, getting easily distracted while carrying out any work are just a few to name. Researchers have shown that people who constantly use the internet to look up information are much less likely to actually retain and recall the information later. 


Does it mean using the internet is bad, or should we completely stop using digital devices? 

Of course not. 

The digital network is one of man’s greatest inventions. But let us not allow it to overpower us. 

Perform simple activities daily- Take some time out & read an entire article of your interest, dig up information on topics you are curious about, solve a crossword puzzle or just try to do some simple maths. 

More importantly, when you look up for information just follow these simple steps: 

1. Pause and let your mind create a memory space before browsing the web.

2. Receive the information and take some moment to help your brain retain it. 



Illustrated by Drishya Unnithan


Avoid excessive digital gadget use. Allow your brain to expand beyond its current capabilities and not let it fade being unexplored.


Lower your dependence on digital aid

Feed your neurons

And fire up your brain. 

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