Chronic stress can be neurotoxic to the brain, damaging areas like the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, potentially leading to permanent damage. Stress affects memory differently among individuals, with some experiencing severe consequences. Constantly switching attention between tasks, such as on social media, imposes a cognitive cost on the brain, hindering focus and memory formation. Immersive sensory details are crucial for creating lasting memories, but technology-driven habits like mindlessly taking pictures can diminish the depth of experiences. Social media platforms like Snapchat, where information vanishes rapidly, reflect how technology can influence memory retention.
Charan Ranganath recently wrote an op-ed about President Biden's memory gaffes. He says forgetting is a normal part of aging. We also talk about PTSD, how stress affects memory, and what's happening when something's on the tip of your tongue. His new book is
Why We Remember.
Also, John Powers reviews
Cocktails with George and Martha: Movies, Marriage, and the Making of Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?
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