[Air-l] Re: Impact of intense technology use on memorization' s quality

[Monica.Murero at MERIT.unimaas.nl]

Serge wrote: 
>Ones could think that the intense use of technology 
>could lead to a impairment of our memory.

Dear All,
Another way of looking at this: 

Intense use of technology affects different "types" of
memory. It also becomes an issue of what "type" of memory we 
are talking about: for example, we can have "everyday functioning", 
"low-level cognitions" versus the ability  to 
recall specific 'non-common' data for high-cognitive use.
A telephone number, for example,  could involve low or 
high levels of cognitions and different propensions
to "remember it" if it belongs to a friend or
to the local post office. 

Intense use of technology could 
lead to different effects according to the types 
of memory we consider. For example, efficient use 
of info technologies, utilizing 
intelligent data pruning strategies and various 
hardware-based memory, could free up one's 
memory from "brain clutter" and allow 
improved foci on pertinent info. 
For example, I have found myself remembering more 
data relevant to my research when I memorize them on my Palm. 

On the other hand, intense use of technology
might impair certain low-involvement memories and 
affect the way one's exposes, processes, learn 
and memorizes information. 
 I agree on previous posts about Neil Postman's work.
There are also several "historical" 
researches in Media studies showing
how the diffusion of  radio and TV has affected
the learning and memorization abilities of entire generations 
(acustic versus visual memory).

I imagine that using multiple sensorial modalities 
(visual, tactile, acustic) like certain new technologies
allow to do, might facilitate the ability to recall 
certain types of info, but could impair 
other "types" of memories. 

Moreover, specific technologies should be considered:
the intense use of technology might have a 
different impact on our memory according to the  
technology one's analyzes (Cellular, Internet, Palm, MP3, etc). 
It could also be relevant to consider
how do different "types" of memory might affect ICT 
over time

cheers,
Monica Murero



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Serge Courrier" <serge.courrier at pobox.com>
To: <air-l at aoir.org>
Sent: Tuesday, July 08, 2003 8:29 AM
Subject: [Air-l] Impact of intense technology use on memorization's
quality



Hi,

Ones could think that the intense use of technology could lead to a
impairment of our memory.

Immediate information finding through Web queries, automatic calendar
alerts
via PDA, telephone numbers memorized by cellular phones, access routes
computed by GPS, and so on.

Do you know if anybody published a study or an article about this
subject.

And what do YOU think about it ?

Best regards

_________________________________________
Serge Courrier
Scientific journalist, Paris, France