Smartphones have a positive effect on memory

British scientists have noted the positive impact of smartphones and other gadgets on human memory. The study was published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General.

According to experts from University College London (UCL), the passion for smartphones is often associated with memory problems. However, the use of digital assistants, on the contrary, helps people save and remember important information.

To demonstrate the impact of gadgets on memory, the researchers developed a test that could be performed using a smartphone or tablet. 158 volunteers aged 18 to 71 took part in the testing. During the experiment, participants were shown 12 numbered circles, which they had to drag left or right. Points were awarded for successful completion of tasks.

The results showed that the volunteers tended to use their smartphones to store information about the laps that scored the most points for dragging and dropping. The use of gadgets helped them remember information 18 percent better. Participants also began to remember information about other circles without using the technique, 27 percent better.

“When people were allowed to use external memory, the device helped them remember the information they stored in it. This is not surprising, but we also found that the device improved people’s memory for unsaved information, ”said Dr. Sam Gilbert.

In early July, The Guardian reported that doctors have linked increased smartphone use to the development of dementia and other degenerative diseases. The authors noted that in the long term, too much use of devices will cause a surge in degenerative diseases.