GPS Navigator affects the brain, scientists
MOSCOW, 22 Mar — RIA Novosti. Scientists from the University of Kent in the UK found that the use of GPS reduces the activity of the brain, “disabling” those features that are responsible for orientation in space. A study published in the journal Nature Communications.
In the experiment 24 volunteers had to find the right address in the virtual model of the SOHO district in London — at first without the aid of a computer, and then using the GPS prompts. The brain of each of them were observation using functional MRI.
The results of the study showed that in self-search in the brain of participants activated the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex, responsible for navigation and decision-making. In the second case, these areas of the brain were not involved.
The scientists explained that this phenomenon has its positive side. Freeing yourself from the necessity of the route search, people get the ability to use mental resources for other purposes.