14 DAY TRIAL // A new study by a researcher at the University of Stirling in Scotland found that Facebook had beneficial effects over a user's “working memory,” which is described as “the structures and processes used for temporarily storing and manipulating information in short-term memory.” The same isn't true for Twitter, as it seems that the microblogging site has the exact opposite effect.
“On Twitter you receive an endless stream of information, but it's also very succinct,” Dr. Tracy Alloway, the leading researcher in charge of the study, said. “You don't have to process that information.” Twitter, along with texting or watching YouTube, has a very detrimental effect on the working memory. “Your attention span is being reduced and you're not engaging your brain and improving nerve connections.”
Dr. Alloway has conducted numerous studies on working memory and has reached the conclusion that it is far more important than IQ when it comes to success and happiness and it is the true foundation for learning.
“It doesn't matter if your mother left school at 15 or got a PhD, it's a level playing field. Not only does working memory have a profound impact on every aspect of our working lives but now there is exciting evidence that we can train it and improve it,” she added.
Along with her team, she has created a working memory program for children aged 11 to 14 at a Durham school who have trouble learning. She has used the “JungleMemory,” an online training program “scientifically proven to improve IQ, working memory, and grades” for eight weeks and has seen remarkable results for all the children involved.
Other activities like video games, especially strategy games, are also believed to be beneficial to working memory, as is the classic Sudoku. But the most interesting result was the fact that Facebook also helped with the working memory because of the complex nature of activities available on the site.