Cognitive Functions in the Digital Environment: Are Gadgets Making Us Dumber?

The digital environment manifests itself in various forms, such as phones, tablets, laptops, kiosks, apps, programs, and websites. We live in the era of onlife, where most everyday tasks are solved using digital technologies. This integration of digital devices into our lives allows us to interact more effectively with the world around us and optimize various processes.

This situation is not unique to people living in the recent past. Although the digital revolution began in the 1980s, technology has undergone significant changes over the past 40 years, significantly transforming our way of life. These technological advances impact all areas of our lives, from communication to work and leisure, making them a crucial aspect of modern life.

The rise of technology raises many questions about the impact of these changes on our psyche. Some argue that the rapid development of technology makes us less intelligent. This view is based on the belief that the digital environment negatively impacts our thinking and perception. In particular, one can hear claims that computers and gadgets are causing a deterioration in intellectual abilities.

Is there any evidence to support the claim that technology has a negative impact? Fundamental research in the field of human interaction with digital technologies can shed light on this issue.

Junior research fellow at the National Research University Higher School of Economics in the field of cognitive psychology of users of digital interfaces and a lecturer at the Department of Psychology at the National Research University Higher School of Economics. Specialization includes the study of user interaction with digital interfaces, analysis of cognitive processes and the development of effective teaching methods. Experience in research projects and teaching allows us to implement the latest scientific advances in the educational process.

Disclaimer: Two Important Concepts

In this article, we will discuss basic research in cognitive psychology. To begin, it is important to understand what these two key concepts are. Basic research aims to study the basic mechanisms and processes that underlie human cognition. Cognitive psychology, in turn, focuses on how people perceive, process, and store information, as well as how they make decisions and solve problems. Understanding these foundations will help us better understand the significance and application of cognitive psychology in various fields.

Basic research is a scientific study that aims to identify patterns and principles of functioning of various phenomena. Within the framework of such research, we do not consider questions of what is best or worst, and do not emphasize the practical application of the results. This is a field of pure science focused on deep theoretical aspects and understanding of underlying processes. Fundamental research serves as the foundation for further applied development and innovation, providing in-depth knowledge of the subject matter. The stated objective determines the specifics of the research organization. Such studies typically do not use specific websites or applications to avoid limiting the generalizability of the data obtained. Instead, they use simulated websites or applications that exhibit the characteristics of a specific service category, such as banking services or marketplaces. While this may reduce the ecological validity of the data, this approach effectively captures the isolated impact of various factors on user behavior and perceptions.

Screens of an application that does not exist in reality (or rather, in the digital environment) Image: Nino Lekveishvili / Dribbble

Cognitive psychology is an important area A psychological science focused on the study of how humans process information. This field covers a wide range of topics, including perception, attention, memory, and thinking. Research in cognitive psychology helps us understand how people process, store, and retrieve information, which has important implications for a variety of fields, including education, marketing, and neuropsychology. Understanding cognitive processes opens new horizons for improving learning and developing effective methods for interacting with information. Information processes, also known as cognitive functions, include aspects such as sensation, perception, memory, thinking, and imagination. These processes play a key role in how we process information and interact with the world around us. Sensation allows us to perceive stimuli from the external environment, while perception helps us interpret these stimuli, shaping our understanding of reality. Memory is responsible for storing and retrieving information, which is important for learning and decision-making. Thinking and imagination facilitate analysis, planning, and the creation of new ideas. Understanding these cognitive functions is important for developing effective learning methods and improving quality of life.

Cognitive psychology examines how humans encode, process, store, and utilize information. Its focus on the mechanisms of thought, perception, and memory allows for a deeper understanding of how people perceive the world and make decisions. This field of science helps to uncover the complex information processing processes that occur in the brain and their impact on behavior and learning.

Does it make a difference where a task is performed - on a computer or on paper?

Research shows that our cognitive system reacts to the conditions of its presentation already at the stage of information perception. This emphasizes the importance of the design and presentation of data, which can significantly affect its perception and comprehension. Optimal organization of information helps improve its assimilation and increase the effectiveness of communication.

For example, people estimate the distance and size of objects differently in reality and in VR. In VR, people rely not on the distance and size of the retinal image, but on the familiarity of its size.

Familiarity with the size of objects in virtual reality is based on memories of physical sizes. This perception is associated with the properties of convergence, in which the eyes simultaneously move inward and toward each other, as well as with the accommodation of the lens, which involves a change in its curvature. These mechanisms play a key role in how we perceive sizes and distances in VR, shaping our understanding of space and objects within it.

In virtual reality (VR), there is no actual distance to objects. Instead, the illusion of distance is created using the background, and the objects themselves can only change their sizes. Our system finds that this does not result in characteristic changes in convergence and accommodation of the eyes, despite the fact that the distance of objects visually changes. This can lead to discomfort for users, as their visual system is not receiving the expected cues from the environment.

Unusual cues can be confusing, so we often rely on our memories of object sizes. This allows us to estimate how sizes may change with distance as an object approaches or moves away from us.

Depending on the degree to which we feel immersed in virtual reality, the perception of time can be distorted.

The deeper the level of immersion and involvement in virtual reality, for example, in a gaming context, the higher the likelihood that users will distort their perception of time, either overestimating or underestimating it. This phenomenon highlights the importance of analyzing time perception in VR and its impact on user experience, which can be useful for game and content developers.

The situation with virtual reality is not as bad as it may seem. Research shows that the level of cognitive load remains the same, regardless of whether a real environment or virtual reality is used. Important differences arise depending on users' experience in performing specific tasks. This underscores the importance of training and adaptation to the use of VR technology, which can significantly improve task performance in a virtual environment.

A study on traveler navigation at a train station found that inexperienced travelers face a higher cognitive load in virtual reality compared to a real-world environment. This highlights the importance of considering the level of user experience when developing VR navigation applications. Understanding how different environments affect user perception and behavior can help create more convenient and intuitive solutions for travelers.

Research confirms that we remember real objects more effectively than their photographs or images on a screen. This is explained by the fact that in real life, we perceive depth and distance cues, which make objects appear clearer and allow us to better encode and remember them. Understanding this perceptual feature can be useful in various fields, such as education, marketing, and design, where it is important to effectively convey information and create memorable visual images.

There is a large body of research analyzing the differences between reading and writing in digital and physical environments. The main results of these studies indicate that, if differences exist, the advantage is still given to the traditional paper medium. Thus, reading from paper media and writing on them are more effective compared to performing the same actions on a computer. This underscores the importance of using printed materials to improve information comprehension and improve the quality of writing.

The term "better" in this context refers to the effectiveness of information memorization. The success of this process depends on many factors. These factors include the amount of information perceived per unit of time, the need to navigate the interface, the coordination of eye and hand movements, and habits associated with reading and writing on different media. All of these aspects play an important role in the development of skills for memorizing and assimilating information.

Each environment has its own practices for presenting information. For example, long reads on the web and longer texts on paper are designed differently: in the former, designers use animation and interactive elements, while in the latter, they use illustrations. The image shows an illustration for a magazine article on semiotics by Yuri Lotman. Image: Anastasia Lobova / Behance.

Research suggests that differences in performance across different environments may be driven by individual characteristics and preferences. For example, the frequency of using a screen or paper to complete tasks, as well as the level of development of text comprehension skills, play an important role in shaping approaches to working with information. These factors can significantly influence the effectiveness of learning and interacting with content.

It is impossible to say unequivocally that performance is always less efficient in a digital environment. Research shows that results vary: in some experiments, there is no difference between digital and traditional approaches, while others point to the influence of third factors, such as personality traits or previous experience of participants, on the formation of different effects. This highlights the need for a more in-depth analysis of the factors influencing the effectiveness of interaction in the digital space.

How does the presence of a gadget affect cognitive functions?

Current research actively examines the impact of the digital environment, especially mobile phones, on the performance of various tasks. Scientists are studying how the simple presence of a phone nearby can distract attention and reduce the effectiveness of task performance. These studies highlight the importance of mindful use of technology in everyday life, as even minimal interaction with digital devices can significantly impact concentration and productivity.

Research shows that the presence of a smartphone nearby negatively affects attention and memory, even if the device is not making sounds and is not switched to. This is because constant interaction with digital devices integrates them into our cognitive system. Thus, even when at rest, a smartphone remains part of our environmental monitoring, distracting us from tasks and reducing productivity. Monitoring one's appearance requires a significant amount of attention, which can negatively impact concentration and memory. Regular self-monitoring distracts from core tasks and can lead to decreased productivity. Sustained attention to external aspects often interferes with focusing on more important aspects of life and work, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to self-perception and internal state. The idea of integrating with the digital environment is rooted in a philosophical movement known as Extended Cognition. This concept is also related to the concept of Transactive Memory. The essence of these ideas is that our cognition is not limited to what is stored in our brain. We actively expand our cognitive capabilities by relying on the environment. The environment refers not only to technologies such as gadgets that help us remember shopping lists or dates of important events, but also to interactions with other people who can serve as sources of information and support. Thus, our understanding and knowledge are the result not only of individual efforts but also of collective interaction with the surrounding world.

This example clearly illustrates a common stereotype of a married couple in which the husband fails to remember important dates, such as relatives' birthdays, or does not keep a shopping list. Meanwhile, the wife has a good memory and is responsible for these aspects of family life. This highlights the differences in perception and organization of everyday life between the partners, which may be interesting from the perspective of psychology and social roles.

The idea of a gadget is reflected in the concept of the Google effect or Google amnesia. Early research shows that when people believe that information will be stored on a computer, they are less likely to remember the information itself and, conversely, better at remembering the location where it is stored. This phenomenon highlights the impact of technology on memory and information perception, which is becoming an important aspect in the digital age. Understanding the Google Effect can help users use their cognitive resources more efficiently and approach the learning and memorization process mindfully.

Are notifications and banner ads in the interface really detrimental to us?

Research shows that notifications can cause stress, which in turn leads to a narrowing of attentional focus. Users may perceive notification bundles positively, as they help reduce the frequency of receiving notifications and improve attentional control. Properly managing notifications can relieve stress and increase productivity.

Notifications in "stacks" and notifications in subfoldersScreenshot: Skillbox Media

Some studies indicate that receiving notifications may lead to riskier decisions in users compared to those who do not receive notifications. This observation is independent of notification frequency. Interestingly, even the way notifications are displayed, such as animation, can influence user attention levels.

Thus, abruptly appearing notifications (pop-out notifications) quickly capture attention, and the time it takes to return to the main task after them increases significantly.
However, attention is not always captured.

Sometimes we notice notifications in the periphery of our vision, but delay responding to them because we are focused on completing the main task. This is typical behavior when attention is divided between several sources of information, and we select priority tasks for completion.

The desire to segment processes has significant advantages. When we interrupt the main activity in the midst of its execution, the likelihood of errors when returning to the task increases. Segmentation helps minimize risks and improve task performance, ensuring more efficient time and resource management.

If you're interrupted by an email just as you're starting to work on a task, just figuring out what to do next, or when you've already completed something and are evaluating it, then being distracted by a message about a flash sale will cost you a minimum of mistakes.
However, if you're distracted by a notification right in the middle of a task, and, importantly, you begin to perform actions related to the notification's content (i.e., an additional task), then, upon returning to the main task, you may notice how long it takes you to complete the first action. Or how you start clicking the wrong buttons.

It's interesting to note that, according to some studies, only 11% of gadget use is related to their functionality. Most users switch between tabs every five minutes. This suggests that you shouldn't immediately blame notifications for concentration problems. To increase productivity, it is worth being aware of your habits and using gadgets more consciously.

Some applications have such well-designed user engagement mechanisms that it is impossible to open them, see just one notification, and quickly exit. Screenshot: Skillbox Media

Advertising banners on websites can irritate users. We've learned to counter some of their forms, manifested in a phenomenon known as banner blindness. In this phenomenon, users are aware of a banner but don't pay attention to it. Their gaze may accidentally fall on the banner, but they can't consciously recall what it depicted or said. This process is called active ignoring. As a result, online advertising effectiveness is declining, forcing advertisers to seek new approaches to attract audience attention.

Learn more about our topic to deepen your knowledge and broaden your horizons. We offer useful information that will help you better understand key aspects. Don't miss the opportunity to read additional materials and articles that may be interesting and useful for you.

Banner blindness: principles of operation and important aspects

Banner blindness is a phenomenon in which users ignore advertising banners on web pages. This occurs due to advertising oversaturation and users' habits with visual elements that are perceived as part of the interface. It is important to consider that banner blindness hinders the effectiveness of online advertising and reduces its conversion.

To minimize the effect of banner blindness, several factors must be taken into account. First, it is important to place advertising elements in places that are not familiar to the user. Second, you should use original and attractive designs that stand out from the content. Animation and interactive elements are also useful to attract attention.

Quality content is the key to success. Advertising messages must be relevant and interesting to the target audience. It is necessary to carefully consider the text and visual elements to ensure they meet user expectations. In addition, the use of A/B testing will help identify the most effective advertising formats.

Following these recommendations will help reduce the impact of banner blindness and increase the effectiveness of online advertising campaigns.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it cannot be said that digitalization has a negative impact on our cognitive abilities. On the contrary, the introduction of digital technologies opens new horizons for learning and knowledge acquisition. Digital tools contribute to the development of critical thinking, analytical skills, and creativity. Thus, digitalization can be a powerful tool for improving the educational process and enhancing intellectual potential.

In science, it is important to avoid radical conclusions, so it is more correct to say that people's approaches to processing information in the digital space are changing. These changes are due to the development of technology and the increase in the volume of available information. Modern users adapt their data perception and analysis strategies, which influences their behavior and decision making.

Modern challenges require relevant and effective solutions. In a rapidly changing world, it is essential to adapt and find new approaches to solving existing problems.

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Reading is an important part of our lives. It not only develops thinking but also enriches our inner world. By immersing ourselves in books, we open new horizons and gain the opportunity to learn more about the world around us. Reading helps improve vocabulary, develop critical thinking, and increase knowledge in various fields. Regular reading improves concentration and memory, which is especially important in today's rapidly changing world. Choose interesting books, articles, or magazines, and don't forget to share your impressions with others. Reading is the key to self-improvement and development.

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