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There isn’t a definite answer when asked the question, “Who’s smarter, computers or humans.” That’s because each performs better at specific tasks. For example, computers can immediately solve in-depth calculations, but humans hold the upper edge on tasks machines cannot achieve. But what can computers do that humans cannot? To learn more about this, read the following:

1.    Data Storage
Data storage is the first factor we want to consider in this battle between brains vs. computers. Although both essentially have ultimate storage, computers can memorize data for the rest of eternity without any discrepancies.

Undoubtedly, some extraordinary people have absurd memories, such as this Japanese man who remembered 111,700 digits of Pi. However, this is extremely rare, as the “average” person can only recall around 5,000 faces in their lifetime; this might not include their names.

But memorization isn’t needed with a computer as data gets physically stored on hard drives, USB sticks, or even the cloud. With this, data capacity and usefulness increase as it’s possible to access or process information without hesitation.

Computers can hold a higher amount of accurate data than a human brain. Without question, this will outgrow the brain even further in the future because Computers and practically all digital devices are evolving rapidly in this element.

In addition to data storage, computers outshine humans with their parallel processing capabilities. When describing this action, the term is similar to multitasking or performing more than one task simultaneously.

With humans, only 2.5% of people can multitask effectively, but all computers can achieve this. The primary reason for this is that a brain’s neurons are much slower than computer transistors. Typically, a neuron can reset itself in 5 Ms, but a modern silicon-based computer can do one billion operations in a single second. Therefore, it doesn’t only offer much better parallel processing but also at a speed five million times faster than your brain.

Including this, if you consider attention switching time, a human’s ability to perform parallel processing is almost non-existent compared to computers.

2.  Parallel Processing
In addition to data storage, computers outshine humans with their parallel processing capabilities. When describing this action, the term is similar to multitasking or performing more than one task simultaneously.

With humans, only 2.5% of people can multitask effectively, but all computers can achieve this. The primary reason is that a brain’s neurons are much slower than computer transistors. Typically, a neuron can reset itself in 5 Ms, but a modern silicon-based computer can do one billion operations in a single second. Therefore, it doesn’t only offer much better parallel processing but also at a speed five million times faster than your brain.

Including this, if you consider attention switching time, a human’s ability to perform parallel processing is almost non-existent compared to computers.

3.   Accuracy & Speed
The last honorable mention of what computers can do that humans cannot is the accuracy and speed of memory or solving problems. Our brains are filters, and each person interprets information differently. The problem with this is that it’s not accurate. However, the data stored on a computer is genuine and cannot be changed or altered by emotions, past experiences, etc.

It’s even well-known that we cannot trust our brains because we commonly manipulate data based on how we receive it. Even slight changes in wording can affect our thought process, making data accuracy poor.

In addition, the speed of processing, memorizing, and projecting data is nothing compared to computers. It takes 50 seconds to remember a single word, and a computer can do this instantly, which determines these devices’ sheer power.

Conclusion 

After reading the above, you should understand what computers can do that humans cannot. Now you know this, you should know better who wins the battle between brains and computers. If you’re interested in reading more posts similar to this one, check out our short stories section.