Beads Over Bytes: Japan’s Ancient Secret to Sharpening the Mind
Japan's ancient secret to better cognitive memory - BBC REEL (YouTube link ) The Hidden Costs of AI in Childhood Learning While AI tools offer instant access to information, their growing role in education may hinder children's cognitive development . Recent 2025 research highlights key concerns — diminished critical thinking, reduced problem-solving, and less hands-on engagement —stemming from over-reliance on AI. Experts warn that while AI speeds up learning, it risks weakening the mental effort essential for growth . A balanced approach, using AI as a brainstorming aid followed by independent refinement, is recommended to safeguard developmental skills. As we consider the cognitive costs of over-reliance on digital tools, it’s worth turning our attention to a time-honored alternative—one that cultivates mental discipline through tactile engagement and visualization . Beyond AI: The Soroban’s Quiet Power in Childhood Development The Japanese abacus, known as the soroban (算盤...