THE EFFECT OF RELYING ON GPS MAPS ON YOUR BRAIN HEALTH

 The effect of relying on GPS maps on your brain health

GPS maps have revolutionized the way we navigate our surroundings, but what impact do they have on our mental skills and memory?

GPS maps: between the pros and cons

The Global Positioning System (GPS) has become an integral part of our daily trips, due to the many benefits it provides, as it provides instant access to accurate and reliable information about directions and locations, current traffic conditions, road closures, and potential hazards along the way such as accidents and slides. , and alternative route suggestions, allowing you to plan the route and make decisions about the routes you will take, and even enables you to navigate new and unfamiliar routes more efficiently, which saves your time and reduces the possibility of getting lost on the way.

However, compromising on planning your trips yourself based on your memory or using the usual paper maps in favor of a GPS system may come at a cost; Excessive reliance on it can lead to diminished cognitive skills related to spatial orientation, and may lead to decreased activity in the areas of the brain associated with this.

Fear of the influence of GPS is nothing new!

Concerns that new technologies of all kinds can harm the brain and mental health go back centuries. It became widespread in the eighteenth century AD, and the emergence of radio broadcasting at the beginning of the twentieth century, and television shortly after, led to similar concerns. Now, the same is true with the advent and spread of GPS.

Concerns about GPS under the microscope of studies

According to recent research, when we rely on GPS we stop exercising an important part of the brain, called the hippocampus, which is responsible for spatial orientation, memory, and decision-making, and may play a role in our ability to imagine the future, highlighting the potential long-term consequences of relying on GPS. GPS only.

Reduced hippocampal volume is generally seen in Alzheimer's disease and other types of cognitive impairment, as well as conditions such as aging, depression, and chronic stress, and many researchers have suggested that technology, including GPS and television, has a similar effect. How is this?

First study

A study conducted by Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore suggests that concerns about watching too much television may be justified. The researchers tracked the television viewing habits of 599 volunteers. After 11 years, those who watched more hours of television had a reduction in the volume of an area of the brain associated with memory, location, and time perception (the entorhinal cortex). The mechanism of watching television and screens is similar to the mechanism and effect of using GPS.

Second study

Studies have shown that individuals who constantly rely on GPS show decreased hippocampal activity and spatial memory, compared to those who navigate using traditional maps.

London taxi drivers are a good example of this; To obtain a driving licence, these drivers need to take an exam proving their knowledge of all the city roads in detail, without using a GPS system. Research conducted by neuroscientists in England has revealed that their hippocampus grows larger over time as they gain extensive knowledge of the city streets.

Other studies

On the other hand, a study in the journal Nature Communications found that people who respond to spoken directions while driving have significantly less activity in the hippocampus compared to those who rely on themselves and their memory for guidance. This reduces the opportunities for mental stimulation and interaction with the environment. Researchers in Canada also observed a significant decrease in spatial memory in GPS users.

So, what can you do to keep your brain healthy in the age of technology?

Consider incorporating activities that enhance your spatial knowledge and navigation and exploration skills. Engaging in manual navigation tasks, such as map reading, can help maintain cognitive function, prevent cognitive decline associated with excessive GPS use, and possibly offset the negative effects of it.

In conclusion

While GPS technology provides undeniable benefits, it is important to keep in mind its potential impact on cognitive skills, mental health, and memory. By balancing their use with participation in activities that stimulate your cognitive and mental abilities, you can help protect your brain health in an increasingly technology-dependent world.