Technology and Human Cognition: Balancing Intelligence Enhancement and Digital Dependency

  • Unique Paper ID: 205489
  • Volume: 13
  • Issue: 1
  • PageNo: 8648-8651
  • Abstract:
  • Technology has transformed the way people learn, communicate, and solve problems. This study examines whether technology primarily enhances human intelligence or increases dependency on digital tools. A conceptual research approach based on secondary data from UNESCO, OECD, World Economic Forum reports, and academic literature was adopted. The findings indicate that technology improves access to information, educational opportunities, productivity, and communication. However, excessive reliance on smartphones, GPS navigation systems, search engines, and artificial intelligence can reduce independent thinking, memory retention, and problem-solving abilities. A comparative analysis suggests that technology acts as a cognitive enhancer when used responsibly but may contribute to dependency when overused. The study concludes that a balanced approach to technology use is essential for maximizing its benefits while preserving critical cognitive skills.

Copyright & License

Copyright © 2026 Authors retain the copyright of this article. This article is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

BibTeX

@article{205489,
        author = {Jisha Shanavas and Anirudh Menon},
        title = {Technology and Human Cognition: Balancing Intelligence Enhancement and Digital Dependency},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {1},
        pages = {8648-8651},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=205489},
        abstract = {Technology has transformed the way people learn, communicate, and solve problems. This study examines whether technology primarily enhances human intelligence or increases dependency on digital tools. A conceptual research approach based on secondary data from UNESCO, OECD, World Economic Forum reports, and academic literature was adopted. The findings indicate that technology improves access to information, educational opportunities, productivity, and communication. However, excessive reliance on smartphones, GPS navigation systems, search engines, and artificial intelligence can reduce independent thinking, memory retention, and problem-solving abilities. A comparative analysis suggests that technology acts as a cognitive enhancer when used responsibly but may contribute to dependency when overused. The study concludes that a balanced approach to technology use is essential for maximizing its benefits while preserving critical cognitive skills.},
        keywords = {Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Dependency, Cognitive Skills, Critical Thinking, Learning, Smartphones, GPS, Human Intelligence},
        month = {June},
        }

Cite This Article

Shanavas, J., & Menon, A. (2026). Technology and Human Cognition: Balancing Intelligence Enhancement and Digital Dependency. International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology (IJIRT), 13(1), 8648–8651.

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