When addiction to GPS reduces the sense of orientation

Therefore,

When addiction gps reduces sense:

Testimonials – According to several scientific studies. Meanwhile, the systematic use of GPS by driving leads to a progressive loss of the sense of orientation. For example, Motorists “addicts to GPS” confirm an alteration of this natural sense.

Robin admits: “I systematically use GPS . Furthermore, Even the roads that I have made 3-4 times, I can’t do it without. Nevertheless, I run stupidly and I never retain anything from my journeys ”. Nevertheless, This testimony, illustrates a scientifically demonstrated social phenomenon. Meanwhile, Several recent studies demonstrate that our GPS dependence – the best known Waze application. Therefore, or systems integrated into the vehicle, has lasting consequences on our natural navigation capacities: the famous direction of orientation. However, Marlène. In addition, too, can no longer leave anywhere without her electronic assistant: “I can’t go when addiction gps reduces sense to a place that I don’t know without GPS. However, I am too stressed. Moreover, Even when I went several times to a place, I need my GPS. Therefore, ” She tells how. during a bug of the tool, which told her to turn around, she obeyed blindly for 5-6 kilometers before understanding that he brought her home.

This dependence sometimes generates ubiquitous situations. Richard, user of Reddit, relates his meeting with a person “100% dependent on GPS” who couldn’t read a card. While the two protagonists had an appointment at the foot of the Richard building. his friend was waiting for him further, where taxis usually stop: this is what the GPS had indicated to him. “It was surprising to meet someone who only referred to the GPS instructions. This person is however travelers and has visited many places around the world ”he says.

Pass advertising

Scientists have looked into the subject

If these testimonies are increasing, scientists have taken the subject very seriously. A meta-analysis published in November 2024 in the Journal of Environmental Psychology – relating to 23 studies. participants aged 16 to 84 – clearly establishes that “The people who [se servent davantage du GPS] tend to have a slightly lower environmental knowledge and a direction of orientation less good “.

In 2020, researchers Louisa Dahmani and Véronique D. Bohbot. in the journal Scientific Reports had already demonstrated the direct causality between the use of GPS and the deterioration of spatial capacities. According to them. the repeated use of this aid reaches the hippocampus, this crucial brain region for spatial memory and orientation. “The use of GPS makes navigation less demanding cognitively”they noted. The result “Reduced use of spatial memory strategies, reduced cognitive cartography capacities, a reduced encoding of benchmarks.”

when addiction gps reduces sense

When we talk to him about this study, Robin claims to have had bitter experience. “I have some anecdotes. I live Toulouse I left at a two-hour drive, and this time: I did not take the GPS. Result, I went in the opposite direction and I made a 45 -minute detour. It convinces me that the GPS makes you lose the orientation ”. The problem is that the GPS circle is vicious. “People with lower ability to learn spatial information. to train environmental knowledge tends to use more frequently assisted navigation systems in daily life, thus weakening their navigation capacities”notes scientists.

Is a reasoned use of GPS possible?

However, not all motorists fall into this trap. Nicolas. with his 30 years of driving experience and his professional trips, has adopted a different approach: he uses GPS as a tool by always keeping human control over it. when addiction gps reduces sense “When I take away My GPS the reflexes come back very quickly. I used to never trust the machines but rather to my experience. I have the reflex to know when it is wrong. because three times out of four they can give false indications: do not follow deviations or work, or cards are not up to date. »» This distrust allows him to keep his natural navigation capacities while benefiting from technological assistance punctually.

Somewhere. Nicolas promotes a method: using technology without abandoning yourself, keeping a critical mind and continuing to solicit your own cognitive capacities. Maintain active this “Brain gymnastics” Orientation is also to preserve your autonomy and adaptability to the unexpected.

Further reading: The Witcher 3: The players shocked by these secrets discovered after 1000 hours of playBad news for Battlefield 6 beta, we will have to waitCdiscount offers the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 smartphone at an unbeatable priceNeanderthals, which we thought of “hypercarnivores”, mainly loved asticotsGoogle Home has a new interface, but not the one we expected.

Comments (0)
Add Comment