Psychology Seminar Series - Brains, Tools, and AI: Understanding Why We Do and Do Not Offload Cognition

Abstract: Cognitive offloading—using external tools to reduce cognitive load—is a core aspect of how humans interact with digital tools. While offloading can boost performance, it may also come with costs, raising the question of when people choose to rely on external aids and when they do not. In this talk, I will highlight emerging insights into individual differences regarding offloading behavior, and discuss challenges in measuring offloading reliably and ecologically. I conclude by outlining open questions about the trade-offs of offloading in an increasingly digital world and what drives people’s decisions to externalize cognition.