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The development of search engines like Google has changed the way humans access information. With a widely available repository of knowledge, people have become reliant on the internet as an external memory source. 

However, this convenience comes with a consequence called the Google effect, also known as digital amnesia. This phenomenon describes the inclination to forget information easily accessible online, as people now heavily rely on the internet for reference.

Learning and memory

Digital amnesia influences how people learn, solve problems and recall information. While the internet broadens people's access to knowledge, it can lead to shallow engagement and diminished retention. Research indicates that while people become adept at accessing information online, the critical evaluation of facts may suffer, contributing to the spread of misinformation.

Transactive memory and other implications

Despite its drawbacks, the Google effect highlights the adaptability of people in prioritizing information. The world transitioned to treating the internet as a shared external memory, a concept known as transactive memory. However, this reliance on external sources raises concerns about the erosion of traditional memory skills and the shallowness of understanding complex subjects.

The prevalence of digital amnesia signals a change in the way people think and interact with information. Dependence on digital devices for memory storage may lead to decreased attention spans, increased anxiety, and diminished social skills. The inclination to outsource memory to technology poses risks, particularly in contexts where spontaneous retrieval is necessary, such as cybersecurity.

Mitigating digital amnesia

While the Google effect is prevalent, awareness of this bias can help people adopt strategies for healthier cognitive habits. Actively engaging with information, such as taking handwritten notes or pausing before resorting to online searches, can help reinforce memory retention and mitigate digital amnesia.