>[!abstract] >[[McLuhan (1964)]] argues that as individuals and societies adopt new media environments, they adapt by extending their physical or mental selves. However, operating or relying on this prosthetic extension ([[cognitive offloading]]) might cause the body to experience a "numbness" to the biological organ it replaces. For example, the calculator might dull our basic mental arithmetic skills, and GPS devices might dull our natural spatial mapping and directional abilities. >[!related] >- **North** (upstream): — >- **West** (similar): — >- **East** (different): — >- **South** (downstream): —