Forgetfulness or distraction? Nevzat Tarhan discusses attention in digital life

Finding information is different from learning it

Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, founding rector of Üsküdar University, says digital technologies make everyday life easier while also changing how people use information. In his assessment, people may sometimes focus on remembering which device or platform can retrieve information rather than understanding and learning it. Using phones and online services as a form of “backup memory” raises questions about learning habits.

Tarhan stresses that finding and copying a text does not, by itself, amount to deep learning. He argues that people need to explain information in their own words, interpret it and connect it with other knowledge. The issue is therefore not simply access to technology, but how the information retrieved is used and how much room is left for thinking.

He makes a similar distinction about AI tools. They can simplify access to information, but users remain responsible for assessing sources and developing their own interpretations. Algorithmic transparency, personal data and digital footprints are among the other topics he highlights.

Multitasking and a continuous content stream

According to Tarhan, attempting to handle many activities at once can make it harder to devote enough attention to a subject. Rapid movement between content, notifications and continuous scrolling can reduce uninterrupted working time. Difficulty remembering something does not necessarily mean it was firmly learned beforehand: insufficient attention may have been given at the outset.

These comments are not presented as new research proving that digital-device use alone causes clinical dementia. The World Health Organization describes dementia as a condition affecting memory, thinking and daily functioning that can arise from different diseases or brain injuries. Distraction in a digital environment should not be equated with that clinical condition.

Tarhan also says superficial content consumption can affect the time available for social communication. Technical proficiency does not automatically amount to the ability to communicate face to face or develop relationships, and he suggests considering these areas together.

Using technology with a purpose

Tarhan says he does not regard opposition to technology as the solution. Digital tools can make life easier when they serve a clear purpose, while habits of use need deliberate attention. His suggestions include shared family time for reading or periods when screens are put aside.

In education, he favours rethinking the learning process rather than relying only on bans. When AI is used for assignments, he emphasises understanding the material, expressing it again and practising writing and interpretation. The comments report an expert’s views; they do not replace an individual assessment of personal memory concerns.