Evolution of mediated memory in the digital age: tracing its path from the 1950s to 2010s

Abstract In the digital age, the relationship between human memory and media is intimate and impossible to separate. This understanding serves as the foundation for this study of mediated memory, which includes an investigation into how memory is stored, represented, and communicated via different forms of media. Despite its significance, there has yet to be a comprehensive review leading to a complete understanding of mediated memory research, particularly from the 1950s to the 2010s. This paper aims to address this knowledge gap through an extensive literature review. It examines research spanning multiple decades, focusing on the methods and paradigms used in previous mediated memory studies. The review uncovers a dual-sided representation of memory. Neurological-cognitive science research suggests that memory is represented through technology, particularly in neuroimaging techniques. Conversely, humanities and social science research highlight memory’s cultural representation through digital media, such as television, computers, smartphones, the internet, and social media. The review reveals a dichotomy in mediated memory research, with a risk of oversimplification due to the distinct paradigms. However, since the late 2000s, an interdisciplinary approach has gained momentum, leading to a more integrated perspective on mediated memory. This paper offers a comprehensive review of mediated memory studies from the 1950s to the 2010s, providing historical context, key theories, methodologies, and debates. It also identifies three distinct trajectories in these studies and highlights the gaps and issues that exist in the current research. These findings carry profound implications for future mediated memory research, advocating for a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to advance our understanding of how memory is shaped and represented in the digital age.