Navigation through GPS devices has made our travels much easier . However, our dependence on GPS navigation does not allow us to learn how to find our way.
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For people who can't find their way around properly, even in places they know, a GPS device can give great confidence.
The problem is that while this makes getting around easier, it doesn't actually help us get better at navigating. We can essentially "turn off" our internal navigation system when we use GPS navigation. We don't have to pay as much attention to roads and locations, as when it's time to make a move, we'll be notified.
A study was conducted with 50 participants between the ages of 19 and 35. They were all “regular drivers,” meaning they drove at least 4 days a week in Montreal, Canada. There was no requirement for prior GPS use. Participants were given a series of tests that asked them to remember items at the end of their trips.
Not surprisingly, those who used the “stimulus-response” strategy made more errors when they needed landmarks to remember routes. However, on tests where the landmarks were hidden, they performed better than the “spatial memory method.”
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Three years later, 13 of the participants were tested again. Those who relied heavily on GPS compared to the initial testhad a steeper decline in spatial memory. In other words, they had become worse at using landmarks as references for navigation. They weren't using that part of their brain with GPS navigation.
While some people are naturally better at navigating, with a little practice, anyone can find way . GPS is like training wheels on a bicycle. Sure, they make it easier to ride, but they don't let you practice your balance.
If you never navigate without the help of a GPS, you build a dependency on it. The more you use it, the more you need it. That's why it's important to put the GPS down from time to time and navigate on your own terms. You may get lost more often, but even that is a great learning opportunity.
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Finally, there is a chance that you may find yourself out of range and unable to use GPS navigation. So in any case, you need to be able to find your way.
