We Outsource Our Minds Every Day, And Psychologists Want To Understand The Consequences

Most people will instinctively tilt their heads to read sideways text like in the image above, because trying to read the words without tilting your head would require greater mental effort. Other examples include jotting down items on a shopping list, setting a reminder on your phone, using a calculator or checking IMDB when the name of an actor is on the tip of your tongue. These days, so much of our behavior involves cognitive offloading that it raises questions about potential negative consequences. After all, could there really be such a thing as free brainpower? "Cognitive offloading undoubtedly brings huge benefits, but also potential costs," Gilbert said in a press release.