Can a camera cause memory loss?

As a professional photographer, the tool of my trade has been the camera. It’s a useful tool to record precious memories, special occasions, and faraway places. But now researchers at the Fairfield University in Connecticut have come up with some startling results. New studies have shown that the camera might, in fact, be damaging our brain cells to remember things.

One of the studies conducted by the university involved a group of students being guided through a museum. One group was told to just enjoy the exhibit while the other group was outfitted with cameras to record the tour.

On the next day, a memory test was performed on the students. The findings proved very interesting. The test showed that those without cameras identified more objects with a detailed description than those that used a camera.

All too often, people reach for their camera without thinking about the subject and snap away. Sometimes when we rely on cameras to record a special moment or event in our life, it can indeed have a negative effect on how we remember that special experience.