A Scottish psychologist from the University of Stirling claims that tasks like video games and Facebook help to strengthen “working memory” while Twitter, YouTube and watching television weaken it.

Video games that involve planning and strategy, such as those from the Total War series, may also train working memory, Dr Alloway believes. “I’m not saying they’re good for your socialisation skills, but they do make you use your working memory,” she said. “You’re keeping track of past actions and mapping the actions you’re going to take.” Sudoku also stretched the working memory, as did keeping up with friends on Facebook, she said.

But the “instant” nature of texting, Twitter and YouTube was not healthy for working memory. “On Twitter you receive an endless stream of information, but it’s also very succinct,” said Dr Alloway. “You don’t have to process that information.” “Your attention span is being reduced and you’re not engaging your brain and improving nerve connections.”

READ