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Does GPS shrink your brain?

Some studies suggest that relying solely on GPS might reduce activity in brain areas linked to spatial navigation and memory, like the hippocampus. While GPS is convenient, the story highlights how physical maps encourage more active navigation, potentially keeping those brain regions more engaged and preventing a 'shrinking' effect.

Stories that explain this

Paper maps outsell GPS, even tripling demand in some cities

Questions this opens up

What is the hippocampus? Do taxi drivers have bigger brains? Can I improve my sense of direction?

Related explainers

How does GPS affect brains? Is GPS always accurate? Can GPS be jammed? How does GPS jamming work? Who uses GPS jammers? How accurate are OS maps? How does active learning help? Benefits of 'old school' maps

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