Skip to main content

That Book You Were Just Reading…What Was It About?

A friend remembered to send me an article on the perils of forgetting.

In particular, if you read piles of books, you’re much less likely to remember the specifics of each one. The same holds true if you binge-watch This is Us or Mr. Robot. Or power your way through three movies in an afternoon.

Author Julie Beck explores the science behind this irksome truth.

For instance, she helpfully cites Betsy Sparrow’s research into the perils of Google. In brief, if I think a piece of information is available on Google, I’m less likely to remember it in the future.

Read the whole thing. And remember: quiz yourself about the article later…

[h/t Chris Brady]

Recent Blogs

Teachers’ Professionalism: Are We Pilots or Architects?
Andrew Watson
Andrew Watson

I recently attended a (non-Learning-and-the-Brain) conference, and saw a thoughtful...

The Benefits (and Perils) of Thinking Hard
Andrew Watson
Andrew Watson

Back in 2010, Professor Dan Willingham launched a movement with...

Learning Goals Reconsidered (No, Not THOSE Learning Goals)
Andrew Watson
Andrew Watson

I’ve been discussing a topic with colleagues in recent months,...