Why do some people seem to retain “useless information” without effort, yet recalling someone’s phone number can be so difficult while exerting effort to memorize it?
We don't really live in the environment we evolved for. The things we find easy to memorize are the things we find 'cool'. Something like a phone number doesn't trip our primate senses into thinking it's information worth storing, but the destructive power of a photon torpedo?
The Short Answer
We don't really live in the environment we evolved for. The things we find easy to memorize are the things we find 'cool'. Something like a phone number doesn't trip our primate senses into thinking it's information worth storing, but the destructive power of a photon torpedo? That's kind of like remembering how strong a warrior is, which is definitely primal-level information.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Find, information, don't
This explanation focuses on find, information, don't and spans 62 words across 4 sentences. The depth is typical for Technology questions (category average: 75 words), striking a balance between accessibility and completeness.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “We don't really live in the environment we evolved for.” It then elaborates by presenting a contrasting perspective, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 4 connected points.
How This Compares in Technology
Ranked #267 of 500 Technology questions by answer depth (top 54%). This is in the concise tier — a focused explanation that prioritizes clarity over exhaustiveness. Many readers prefer this level of directness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why some people seem to retain "useless information" without effort, yet recalling someone's phone number can be so difficult while exerting effort to memorize it?
We don't really live in the environment we evolved for. The things we find easy to memorize are the things we find 'cool'. Something like a phone number doesn't trip our primate senses into thinking it's information worth storing, but the…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Technology questions?
This is a focused answer at 62 words, ranked #267 of 500 Technology questions by depth. The key concepts covered are find, information, don't.
What approach does this answer take to explain some people seem to retain "useless information" without eff?
The explanation uses contrasting perspectives across 62 words. It is categorized under Technology and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.