The human brain has remained largely unchanged since it evolved. Long ago, humans had to focus on the task at hand. Yet today, our brains face a constant stream of digital information that, many scientists think, could have worrisome effects.

In October 2020, scientists published a study that supports the concern. The scientists studied media multitasking, which means people use multiple forms of digital or screen-based media at the same time. The study found that this type of multitasking may impair the ability to concentrate in young adults. This makes them unable to later recall specific situations or experiences.

For the study, scientists recruited 80 young adults aged 18 to 26. The participants were first presented with images of objects on a computer screen and asked to classify the pleasantness or the size of each one. After a 10-minute break, the subjects were then shown additional objects and asked whether the subjects were already classified or new.

During this process, the scientists measured participants’ brain activity and eye movement. This data let scientists track if the young adults were paying attention while being asked to remember the images. Then, the findings were compared to the results of a questionnaire the participants filled out before the study that asked questions about everyday attention, mind wandering and media multitasking.

The participants who reported more media multitasking had more absence of mind during the test. The pupils of their eyes were also smaller, which is a known marker of reduced attention. They also had reduced brain-signal patterns known to be associated with episodic memory—the recall of particular events.

Previous work had shown a connection between media multitasking and poorer episodic memory. The new findings offer clues as to why this might be the case.

“Individuals who are heavier media multitaskers may show worse memory because they have lower sustained attention ability,” says Kevin Madore, the paper’s lead author.

Madore says the new study stresses the need to be mindful of how we engage with media. “I think our data point to the importance of being consciously aware of attentiveness,” he says.

【小题1】What do scientists say about media multitasking?

A．It may cause memory damage.	B．It common among teenagers.
C．It enables individuals to better concentrate.	D．It improves the ability to process information.

【小题2】What does the underlined word “impair” in paragraph 2 mean?

A．Demonstrate.

B．Maintain.

C．Draw.

D．Weaken.

【小题3】What can be learnt from the study?

A．Participants’ attention was closely monitored.

B．Filling out questionnaires isn5t a must in the research.

C．Participants were asked to classify objects twice.

D．Participants’ pupils expanded during the study.

【小题4】What does the study lay stress on?

A．The importance of media awareness.	B．The need to stay away from media.
C．The need to treat media properly.	D．The importance of developing media.