Scots are storing more information in their phones than their brains
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Many people are never without their mobile phone by their side, and with mobile devices able to do so much more than just call and text nowadays the impact on our every day lives is starting to show.
New research suggests Scotland is at risk of widespread ‘digital amnesia’, as it was revealed more than two thirds of Scots don’t know their partner’s number off by heart, whilst one in ten don’t know their own.
The research by CRM specialist Capsule also found that 59 per cent of people can’t remember their best friend’s birthday, and 77 per cent don’t know their booked holiday dates without using tech to check.
Dependence on modern technology to carry out everyday tasks was further highlighted in the survey, with 67 per cent of Scottish respondents saying that they rely on their tech for directions, 47 per cent for shopping, 45 per cent for times and dates of events, and 43 per cent to access transport.
Capsule's CEO Duncan Stockdill said: "In an increasingly digital age, many people are using technology to store and access information instead of memorising it.
"Those surveyed admitted that they reach for their devices to carry out simple, basic tasks, such as maths calculations and spelling.
"As technology has become more connected, accessible and easy-to-use, we have become progressively more reliant on it to help organise our lives and remember for us – giving rise to ‘digital amnesia’.
"Essentially, we are storing more information and memories in 'the cloud’, not our brains.
"With this in mind, it's essential to trust the software you use and ensure it keeps your data secure like enabling two step login and using strong, unique passwords - we know passwords are easily forgotten though."
According to the survey, 27 per cent of Scots describe themselves as disorganised, and as a result one in four have been late for appointments in the past 12 months, the same number have missed birthdays, 21 per cent have forgotten to pay bills and 15 per cent missed social events.
Additionally, 26 per cent said that being disorganised negatively impacted their performance at work, such as missing deadlines and arriving late to meetings.
The link between technology and being organised was clear from the research, with two-thirds of Scottish respondents saying they use technology, such as online calendars, digital to-do lists and reminders, to keep their lives in order.
Continuing, Mr Stockdill said: "There has been a significant shift in how we function and operate, and the gulf between the past and the future is set to become more pronounced as technology becomes even more advanced.
"Reliance on tech is showing no signs of slowing down.”
