Are we Forgetting to Remember?

As we dive even deeper down the rabbit hole of technology, AI, and robotics, we must face the human consequences of such advancements. The ubiquitous use of the Internet and the normalization of mobile technologies are changing the way we live, learn, and conduct business. But what effect does this have on long-term memory (the ability to recall after 30 seconds)?

"Does it matter?" I hear you ask. As with all things psychological, it depends on your perspective and demographic. Memory gives us a framework through which to make sense of the world and plays a crucial role in teaching and learning. Long-term memory refers to the transfer of information from short-term memory into long-term storage to create lasting memories including semantic memory (facts and information) and episodic memory (autobiographical, episodic experiences). It is unlimited in capacity and can last for years or a lifetime(1). Memory is a critical tool for humans to be able to learn from our senses, experiences, books, people, and of course, the Internet, to navigate our personal and professional lives, and access skills and behaviours that contribute to our survival.

How our brain encodes, stores and recalls information affects memory strength and longevity; the more deeply information is processed, the more likely it is to be encoded in long-term stores. Memory changes naturally over time as the brain ages. In our 30s and 40s, the brain starts to shrink, increasing even further by age 60 and altering cognitive abilities including memory. Changes in brain mass, cortical density (the thinning of the outer surface of the brain), white matter (nerve signals that transmit signals between brain cells) and neurotransmitter systems lead to adults experiencing memory challenges in recall and attention.(2) This is particularly noticeable at work where multi-tasking has become an all-important skill.

As technology converges with human, cognitive processes, how we use the Internet to search for information has led to suggestions that such behavioural changes have consequences for long-term memory across all age groups in changing the way we learn, encode, and store information, a phenomenon termed the “Google effect”(3). The theory suggests that humans have become accustomed to "offloading" information usually stored in long-term memory to the Internet as an external storage space for information. In this way, we become adept at knowing where to locate information, versus recalling the content itself. In essence, we don't need to remember anymore. The effects of media multitasking (check how many tabs and applications you have open on your screen right now!) have also been revealed in research that has evidenced how such interference can contribute to further impairments in memory storage(3).

There is no doubt that the vast information stores available online offer huge benefits in the accessibility of information, sharing of ideas and concepts, and social connection. However, the importance of ensuring a blend between the human capacity to learn and remember and machine-based insight and logic remains paramount.

Next time you're using ChatGPT or Google to support your learning, consider the following:

1. What do I need to know?

2. Am I taking the time to read and absorb instead of copying and pasting?

3. Am I reading passages out loud to support deeper encoding of relevant information?

4. How could I further my knowledge beyond the Internet?
   

AI is fast becoming a part of everyday life. Rather than pushing against it, working with technology and remaining conscious of the human experience of learning can support goal attainment and education, without sacrificing our desire to remember and recall relevant facts, information and experiences.

As research continues, we must accept that memory is a complex terrain, operating in a world where access to information is instant and ever-present, providing opportunities to explore not only how digital behaviour is affecting our memory, but also how it can be harnessed for greater cognitive benefit.

1. How Long Term Memory Works (verywellmind.com)

2. Changes That Occur to the Aging Brain | Columbia Mailman | Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health

3. Sparrow, B., Liu, J., & Wegner, D. M. (2011). Google Effects on Memory: Cognitive Consequences of Having Information at Our Fingertips. Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science), 333(6043), 776-778. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1207745

4. Cain, M. S., Leonard, J. A., Gabrieli, J. D. E., & Finn, A. S. (2016). Media multitasking in adolescence. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 23(6), 1932-1941. https://doi.org/10.3758/s13423-016-1036-3