Our brains are not computers and even the information processing metaphor we use to compare the brain to a computer is pretty limited. There are several problems you encounter when trying to use an IP model to describe a human brain
IP models have difficulty explaining higher-level cognitive processes such as problem-solving, language comprehension, and decision-making
IP models focus on the manipulation of symbols and ignore other important aspects of intelligence, such as emotions, motivation, and creativity.
IP models assume that intelligence is independent of the physical body, but research has shown that embodied experiences play a crucial role in cognition.
IP models typically view intelligence as centralized in the brain, but research suggests that cognitive processes are distributed across multiple brain regions and interconnected networks.
We also don’t “store” memories or information in our brain and we don’t “retrieve” it like a computer does. These processes are far more complex than any computer model could possible describe. However, even with its severe limitations, this metaphor is really the best way we have to discuss why we need a second brain.Limitations of the Human Brain for Information Processing:
Human memory capacity is limited, similar to an 8GB USB drive.
Access to vast amounts of information through technology has resulted in an information consumption explosion.
Modern society bombards us with information, leading to low-resolution storage and difficulty in recalling details.
Our brains cannot keep up with the demand. Becoming overwhelmed and causing interference with our ability to process information.
In prehistoric times, survival was our primary focus. Information processing focused on immediate threats to health and safety and on maintaining the necessities of life such as food, water, shelter, and, to some extent, community. Our brains did not originally develop to store vast quantities of information, but rather to process the important information. Civilization led to the increased need for memorization, communication and learning from others.The human brain is not optimized as a storage container, so it is in our best interest to find somewhere else, outside of our brain, to store the vast amount of information we collect on a daily basis. Doing this will most definitely help us use our brains to their fullest potential.