Technology has definitely made all of our lives easier by enabling us to automate various little tasks throughout the day, and it has undoubtedly made life more fun thanks to the wealth of entertainment options available at our fingertips, but how about smarter? Can tech really make us smarter? Yes, it can.
1. Brain Training Apps are A Gym for Your Mind
One of the best things about modern technology is the apps that have been created to make us all smarter by giving our brains the same kind of workouts that we have been giving our bodies. Apps like Lumosity, Elevate, and Peak have curated a wide range fo daily exercises that are designed to work every aspect of your brain from logic to memory, so that you can be the best possible mental version of yourself.
Because these apps break down what are actually pretty complex mental tasks into bite-sized fun little games, it is easy to fit them into your daily life and work out how to beat them, so you can get smarter and smarter each day.
2. Podcasts Offer A Free University in Your Pocket
You probably already use podcasts to pass the time while you’re driving or pretending to do housework, but did you know they can also boost your brainpower? From deep dives into science and history to business tips and philosophy debates, podcasts are the ultimate multitasking tool for getting smarter while doing… well, anything else.
Whether you’re a fan of TED Talks, want to brush up on your economics with Freakonomics Radio, or just want to expand your general knowledge with Stuff You Should Know, there’s a podcast for every interest. Just pop in your headphones, and before you know it, you’ll be spouting fun facts about the Roman Empire or the complexities of black holes at your next dinner party.
3. Wearables That Boost Your Mental Game
We’re all familiar with wearables like fitness trackers that help us keep an eye on our physical health, but did you know there are wearables that focus on mental fitness too? Devices like the Muse headband measure brain activity and provide real-time feedback to help you practice mindfulness and improve focus.
It’s like having a tiny, futuristic coach sitting on your head, whispering, “Relax, breathe, stop thinking about that embarrassing thing you said in 2010.” With enough practice, these devices can help you strengthen your attention span and even reduce stress—all while you look like a tech-savvy genius.
4.Smart Videos for Smart People
YouTube isn’t just for makeup tutorials and reaction videos (although, no judgment if you’re into those). It’s also a treasure trove of educational content that makes learning fun and accessible. Channels like Kurzgesagt, CrashCourse, and Vsauce break down complex topics in science, history, and philosophy with fun animations and witty commentary.
Want to understand quantum physics without feeling like your brain is going to explode? There’s a video for that. Looking to learn about ancient civilizations or how black holes work? You’ll find hours of content that can turn you into an expert on just about anything—all from the comfort of your couch.
5. Games That Stretch Your Brainpower
Gaming isn’t just for procrastination. In fact, certain types of games are specifically designed to boost cognitive abilities. Puzzle games like Portal, The Witness, or even a good old-fashioned crossword can challenge your brain in ways that sharpen your problem-solving skills, memory, and logical thinking.
And if you’re more of a classic thinker, games like Sudoku (yes, it still counts as modern tech if it’s on an app!) offer quick, accessible ways to keep your brain sharp while waiting for your coffee or pretending to pay attention during a Zoom meeting. You can even switch to multiplayer trivia games like HQ Trivia to flex those newly acquired facts and take on the world.
6. Smart Speakers are Your Personal Encyclopedia
It’s easy to dismiss smart speakers like Amazon Echo or Google Home as mere tools for controlling your smart lights or playing music. But don’t underestimate the power of having a personal assistant at your beck and call to answer any and all trivia questions. Just say, “Hey, Alexa, tell me something interesting,” and you’ll be bombarded with fun facts that’ll make you smarter without lifting a finger.
Beyond trivia, these speakers can help you learn new languages, read audiobooks, or even quiz you on various topics to boost your general knowledge. Suddenly, asking your speaker to set a timer seems like the least impressive thing it can do.
7. Parlez-vous Brain Power?
Learning a new language has never been easier thanks to apps like Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone. Whether you want to master French or just pick up enough Italian to order the right pizza, these apps make language learning fun and engaging.
By practicing a new language, you’re not only gaining a new skill, but you’re also improving your memory, problem-solving abilities, and multitasking skills. Plus, being able to casually drop foreign phrases into conversations will make you sound way smarter at social events. “Oh, you don’t know what that means? It’s just something I picked up while brushing up on my Spanish.”
8. Virtual Reality Makes You Smarter by Immersion
If you thought VR was just for gamers, think again. Virtual reality is now being used as an educational tool to teach everything from history and anatomy to space exploration. Imagine walking through ancient ruins or dissecting a digital frog (without the smell)—VR makes learning an immersive, hands-on experience.
Apps like Google Expeditions allow users to explore different environments and learn about history, science, and geography in ways that textbooks simply can’t. And don’t be surprised if VR training becomes the future of education—soon, we’ll all be saying, “Who needs classrooms when I can visit the Great Wall of China from my living room?”
9. E-Readers are the Endless Library
No tech list would be complete without mentioning e-readers like the Kindle. Sure, physical books are great, but having an entire library in the palm of your hand? That’s next-level convenience. With an e-reader, you can access thousands of books on any subject you can think of—history, science, business, or even that niche fantasy series you’ve been dying to read.
Whether you’re reading on your commute or squeezing in a chapter before bed, e-readers make it easier than ever to learn and grow. Plus, there’s something about having a “currently reading” list that’s longer than your arm that just feels smart.
The future is smarter!
