Researchers have long observed the striking contrast between our rapid sensory input and slow decision-making processes. Studies suggest that even in high-stakes activities like competitive gaming or memorizing large amounts of information, our brains process data at a rate of around 10 bits per second.
This speed limit is surprising given the vast amount of raw sensory input we receive throughout the day, from bright lights to subtle touches. However, despite this influx of data, our responses often seem sluggish.
New insights by researchers Jieyu Zheng and Markus Meister shed light on this phenomenon. According to their findings, our brain’s information throughput is also limited to around 10 bits per second, highlighting a fundamental aspect of brain function.
This slow processing rate affects various aspects of human behavior, including typing, speaking, reading, and even memory competitions. While some people may excel in these areas using clever techniques, the underlying limit remains the same.
The study’s findings raise more questions than answers about the workings of our brains. Researchers suspect that there may be hidden pockets of speed in tasks we have not fully studied or unconscious processes that never bubble to the surface.
Source: https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-the-speed-at-which-the-brain-processes-information