Our Changing Memories

We don’t remember data anymore. We remember directions.

I’ve always been better at that knowing where to find the answer rather than knowing what the answer was. It’s the difference between knowing what’s on the page and knowing what chapter in what book you need to pick up. I know who to ask or what the website looks like or what side of the page it’s on, but the actual information isn’t always in my head.

What kid memorizes in school anymore? We’re lucky if they know their times tables, let alone poetry.

I never gave it much thought, but apparently it’s exciting all kinds of discussion and worry. Are our brains changing? Absolutely. Is it a problem? I’m not so sure.