Technologies of memory: Key issues and critical perspectives

Abstract

Past, present and emerging technologies of memory are important concerns for memory studies. What is remembered individually and collectively depends in part on technologies of memory and socio-technical practices, which are changing radically. We identify specific concerns about developments in digital memory capture, storage and retrieval. Decisions are being made now that may have far-reaching consequences. Systems are being designed based on models and metaphors in which human memory works much like the computer. We bring to this discussion a critical perspective from science and technology studies (STS) and a grounding in human—computer interaction (HCI) and computer-supported cooperative work (CSCW). We argue that, while these developments are significant for memory studies research, even more important is the need for memory studies to remind and inspire designers of what is possible and useful, and help expand the understanding of human memory on which these systems are based.