Sip n Learn: Is Tech Changing Our Brains?

You’ve probably seen the headlines. Technology is said to be damaging our attention, weakening our memory, and even causing “digital dementia”. But what does the science actually say?

In this Sip n Learn session, we take a closer look at how people use technology to support their thinking. From setting reminders on our phones to asking ChatGPT a question, many of us rely on tools to take some of the mental load off our brains. Psychologists call this cognitive offloading.

This talk explores how cognitive offloading works and what researchers are learning about its effects on memory and thinking. Are we becoming mentally lazy, or are we simply adapting the way humans always have when new tools appear?

The evening will look at the evidence behind the headlines and open up a conversation about how technology is changing the way we think.

Professor Sam Gilbert is Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at University College London (UCL). His research focuses on how people use external tools and technology to support memory and thinking, a phenomenon known as cognitive offloading.

His work explores how digital tools - from reminders and notes to modern AI systems - shape the way we remember, plan, and make decisions.

Professor Gilbert has also shared his expertise widely in the media. His appearances include:

• Guardian Science Podcast - Is AI making us stupid? (December 2025)
• Naked Scientists Podcast - Could using AI cripple our cognition? (September 2025)
• Derren Brown’s Boot Camp for Memory (2024)
• All in the Mind, BBC Radio 4 (November 2022)
• The World at One, BBC Radio 4 (August 2022)
• CBS News (August 2022)
• Euronews (August 2022)

Professor Gilbert's Website: https://samgilbert.net

19:00 – 19:30 Arrival & Warm-Up Activity
Guest arrival and informal connection. A guided warm-up activity (optional)

19:30 – 20:15 Expert Talk

Professor Sam Gilbert (UCL) shares current research on cognitive offloading and how technology is shaping human memory and thinking.

20:15 – 20:30 Q&A
A chance to ask questions and deepen the conversation

20:30 – 21:00 Optional Networking
Continue the discussion

• What psychologists and neuroscientists mean by cognitive offloading
• Why humans naturally use tools to support memory and thinking
• What research says about concerns like “digital dementia”
• How digital tools change the way we remember information
• How to think more consciously about the way you use technology

Mind Circles Talks is a purpose-led start-up committed to creating accessible, community-focused, neuroscience-informed events. To help make this possible, we offer a range of ticket options. We trust your honesty in selecting the ticket tier that best reflects your circumstances.

Your contribution directly supports:

• The costs of running these events
• The ongoing work of bringing neuroscience insights to our community in meaningful, practical ways

By choosing the ticket tier that fits your means, you help ensure we can continue offering events like this to a wider and more inclusive audience.

Thank you for your support and your integrity, both matter to us deeply.

If you have any questions or accessibility considerations around pricing, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

The expert talk will be recorded and shared privately with all registered attendees within 4 weeks of the event. The recording is for personal use only and will not be publicly distributed.

Please arrive by 7:30pm at the latest. You’ll need to check in before the main talk begins and to avoid disruption to other attendees, we ask everyone to arrive and be settled on time.

If you're having trouble buying tickets on Eventbrite, you can also get one on the day. Just drop us an email with your name(s) and a note that you'd like to buy a ticket on the day so we can add your name to the guest list.

When you purchase a ticket, you’ll be added to the Mind Circles Talks mailing list to be notified of future events. If you'd prefer not to be included, just drop us an email and we’ll happily remove you.

Info: Guest arrival and informal connection. A guided warm-up activity (optional)

Info: Professor Sam Gilbert (UCL) shares current research on cognitive offloading and how technology is shaping human memory and thinking.

Info: A chance to ask questions and deepen the conversation

Info: Continue the discussion

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Devereux, 20 Devereux Court, London, United Kingdom

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