Too much dependence on modern communication tools can result in weak memory, according to expert. “People who use tools to store information on their behalf, would likely find it difficult to remember many things”, said Prof Dzulkifli Abdul Razak, vice-chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
“There have been studies showing that modern communication tools or devices could affect one’s ability to memorise a lot of things such as dates and numbers,” he said during the opening day of the ICT-Enovate Week 2008 in Penang Tuesday.
“While technology could bring about desirable effects, it could also have disastrous consequences if not used properly. “There should be a campaign to teach technology users, especially youths and children to utilise technology in a proper way,” said the professor.
Razak said with the advent of internet it has become too easy to get information from the web, but nothing much is known about the authenticity of the information. “In the world of Internet, all are seen to be the expert in their own rights; people can have their own blogs, they can embed videos from YouTube and edit information on collaborative websites such as Wikipedia.” “Students should also be taught how to use internet to channel quality information,” he said.