Impact of Technology on Cognitive Processes ERQ

Cognitive processes

Mental processes such as memory, attention, and decision-making that are involved in acquiring and using knowledge.

Technology's effect on cognitive processes

Technology can support, enhance, or interfere with mental functions depending on how it's used.

Cognitive processes explored in ERQ

Memory (Kaspersky Lab) and attention/working memory (Blacker et al.).

Aim of Kaspersky Lab (2015) study

To explore how reliance on digital devices (e.g., smartphones) affects memory retention and the phenomenon of digital amnesia.

Method of Kaspersky Lab study

Surveyed 6,000 adults across multiple countries about their use of digital devices to store and retrieve everyday information.

Key findings of Kaspersky Lab study

One in three participants reported they were happy to forget or risk forgetting information they can find – or find again – online.

36% of participants reported that they would turn to the internet before trying to remember information.

24% reported they would forget an online fact as soon as they had used it.

Older people had higher rates of digital amnesia than younger

Conclusion of Kaspersky Lab study

People offload memory to digital devices, leading to digital amnesia—less effort to encode or retain information internally.

Strength and limitation of Kaspersky Lab study

✅ Large sample, high ecological validity; ❌ Self-report data, no experimental control → cannot determine causation.

Aim of Blacker et al. (2014)

To test whether playing action video games improves visual working memory and attentional control.

Method of Blacker et al. study

39 male undergraduates were randomly allocated into either Call of Duty (experimental) or Sims 3 (control group).Two groups played either action or non-action video games for 30 hours; pre- and post-tests on visual working memory and attention were conducted.

Results of Blacker et al. study

The action game group showed significant improvement in visual working memory capacity compared to the control group

Conclusion of Blacker et al. study

Active engagement with action video games with rich and complex visual stimuli can increase working visual memory.

Strength and limitation of Blacker et al. study

✅ Controlled experiment with objective testing; ❌ Small, all-male sample; unclear long-term effects, the visual working memory task may not be reflective of how this is operationalised in real life

Difference in studies' view of technology's influence

Kaspersky Lab: Passive reliance on tech can reduce memory retention; Blacker et al.: Active use of tech (video games) can enhance cognitive functions.

Determining technology's cognitive impact

The nature of the interaction—passive reliance may impair memory, active engagement may improve it.

Key takeaways from ERQ

Technology can both enhance and impair cognitive processes; memory may decline with digital over-reliance (Kaspersky); attention and VWM can improve with targeted digital engagement (Blacker).

Importance of understanding technology's cognitive impact

It helps educators, designers, and individuals use technology in ways that support cognitive development rather than hinder it.