New York: (RightNow) Capturing moments through mobile phone screenshots seems useful, but a new study suggests it may weaken memory.

Researchers from Binghamton University’s Department of Psychology conducted the study. They found that individuals who take photos to remember details often struggle to recall those details later.

Published in the Journal of Memory and Cognition, the study describes this phenomenon as the ‘photo-taking impairment effect.’ Researchers noted that if photos are not revisited, memory can be affected.

According to the study, smartphone users have thousands of photos on their devices. New photos are added daily, which can refresh memory, but merely taking a photo is not enough.

It is important to note that researchers conducted seven different experiments where participants photographed artworks. Results show that those who took photos had difficulty remembering information.