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Every story in sixty words

Explained in plain English

Why do we get lost?

Getting lost often happens when our 'spatial awareness' fails us. This is our brain's ability to understand where we are in relation to our surroundings. GPS can make us passive, but physical maps, as mentioned in the story, encourage us to actively process routes and landmarks, potentially strengthening this skill and making us less prone to getting disoriented.

Stories that explain this

Paper maps outsell GPS, even tripling demand in some cities

Questions this opens up

How do animals find their way? Can technology make us lost? What is a 'mental map'?

Related explainers

Why do I get lost less with maps? How accurate are OS maps? How does active learning help? Benefits of 'old school' maps What is cognitive mapping? The digital divide in navigation How does GPS affect brains? Is GPS always accurate?

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