Digitalization of Memories - an Analysis Relationship Between Autobiographical Memory and Digital Photography

Abstract

Photography has been used as a mnemonic since its early years. It has the power to move the past to the present by breaking down the structure of time. Presenting a static image, it records an image of a past time. Looking through family and childhood photo albums, the person embarks on a journey through the past in his/her memory. Following digitalization, the function of photography has been changed in accordance with the transformation of it from analogue to digital. Photography is not only a mnemonic but also contains the function of the enjoyment of individuals, creating self, self-presenting to others. In terms of storage, screening and sharing, digital photography is more convenient and accessible than analogue photography. For these reasons, people's interest in digital photography has been rising and it encourages taking/recording images at the moments that will create their memories in the years ahead. The aim of this paper is to examine the relationship between autobiographical memory (contains information about individual experiences, memories) and forgetting/remembering between digital photography. The nature of the subject required the use of both qualitative and theoretical analysis of the participants' social media usage. The research data was collected conducting semi-structured interviews with participants who shared their images about individual lives and memories on social media. In addition, benefiting from the observation technique, the participants were requested to look at both printed and digital photo albums and asked if they remember the corresponding memories. The theoretical insights are based on critical theory. The studies reveal that memories become digital and affect memory due to rising motivation to take and share pictures on the social media.