To launch in India, where navigation is traditionally landmark-based, Google Maps fundamentally changed its system from street names to culturally relevant landmarks. This required deep user research to identify what was prominent and noticeable from the street, like temples or specific shops.

While popular, collecting numerous mental models can be a cognitive trap. It encourages lazy pattern-matching and intellectual shorthand (the map), preventing you from engaging with the unique complexities of a new problem (the territory) from first principles.

Neuroscience research shows people from predictable, grid-like cities (e.g., Chicago) are worse navigators than those from complex, winding cities (e.g., Prague). Orderly environments offer fewer challenges to build the robust cognitive maps needed for complex navigation.

A study found that children who travel mostly by car draw simplistic, danger-focused "cognitive maps" of their surroundings. In contrast, kids in walkable areas create highly detailed maps with more streets, houses, and play locations, indicating a richer environmental understanding and greater independence.

Neuroscience suggests our brains have two modes. Tech optimizes for the left hemisphere's "complicated" problem-solving (e.g., finding pizza), causing the right hemisphere, which handles "complex" questions of meaning and relationships, to atrophy from disuse. We stop asking the most important questions.

Relying on AI for thinking and creating will diminish our cognitive abilities, much like GPS weakened spatial awareness. To combat this, intentionally engage in challenging mental exercises daily, such as writing first drafts yourself before using AI tools.

To counteract cognitive erosion from over-reliance on tools like AI, Vitalik Buterin advocates for intentionally doing things manually, even when not required. Practices like navigating without GPS or attempting calculations without a calculator act as mental exercise to ensure our cognitive abilities remain sharp.

Studies of London cab drivers show their brains physically grow to accommodate vast spatial knowledge. In contrast, people who consistently use GPS offload this function, which can lead to the corresponding part of their brain atrophying.

Delegating cognitive tasks to AI can lead to skill atrophy, much like GPS has weakened our natural navigation abilities. Deliberately avoid using AI for core competencies like synthesizing information or creative writing to keep those mental muscles strong.