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News Topical, Digital Desk : Has it ever happened to you that you pick up your phone, unlock it and then start wondering why you picked it up in the first place? This has happened to all of us at some point or the other and it has become quite common in today's digital age, but the question arises why does this happen?
How do we forget why we picked up our phone in the few seconds between picking it up and unlocking it?
Working memory capacity
Our brains have a working memory, which holds information for a very short period of time. It's like a small notepad. When you pick up the phone, your intention is in this working memory.
The moment you unlock your screen, a barrage of colorful apps and notifications bombard your mind. This cognitive overload causes the brain's limited working memory to erase old information and replace it with new thoughts.
Dopamine traps and distraction
Smartphone apps are designed to release dopamine in our brains. Dopamine is a feel-good chemical that keeps us seeking rewards. When we pick up our phones, our brains are drawn to apps that provide instant pleasure or entertainment. In the process, our brains forget the boring task for which we picked up the phone and engage in the activity that provides instant gratification .
A slave of one's habits
Often, picking up the phone isn't a conscious decision, but rather a muscle memory. Many of us mindlessly open social media or messaging apps as soon as we unlock our phones. So, sometimes we pick up our phones but don't remember what we were doing.
Digital Fatigue
Being constantly surrounded by digital information has reduced our attention span . This is called attention fatigue. When the brain is tired, it can't hold onto a single thought for long. So, even the slightest distraction can quickly make us forget things.
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