The concept of digital amnesia, which has been discussed since 2007, tells us that we forget what we have learned because we spend too much time on the Internet, but for some reason we do not forget the source from which we get the information.
In general, this is seen in conjunction with the Google influence. How Does? For example, thanks to Google, we can reach everything, if not the effect of Google on us? We can forget all the information we get from the internet after a while. This leads to amnesia, a kind of forgetfulness. In fact, the issue that needs to be discussed here is that we forget ‘information’, which we should not forget, and not forget a digital source from which we reach the information. Come on, let’s put the matter on the table.
Why don’t we forget the digital source from which we get the information?
Because the digital world functions as an external source for our memory. We embrace digital resources as part of transactive memory. Transactive memory means needing another object, person, situation to be able to remember something. So, as you can see, we still need the internet, which is a digital tool, to remember the information we get from a digital search engine.
Think of it this way; Since you can consult Google about everything, that search engine gives you confidence and you don’t have to remember the information you have learned all the time because you can consult it again. This is exactly how digital amnesia and the Google effect affect each other.
Disadvantages of not remembering information by saying “I’ll Google anyhow”;
For example, now most students can easily add digital resources to the bibliography of their assignments. Problematic situations arise when teachers want to test students’ knowledge. For example, instead of detailing the information learned, a person may begin to express an opinion about the source from which he received the information. In short, in an environment where many of the digital resources are unreliable, those references you give will be useless and put you in a difficult situation.
Let’s say there is some information that you should remember for the rest of your life, and you forgot how to ask it on the internet. This will also pose a significant problem because that information will be something you should always remember. It’s a good idea not to rely too much on Google just because we can finally consult everything. Do any of you say that I often experience this situation? If you have any, we are waiting for you to give your opinions in the comments.
Sources: Research Gate, Outstanding Evidence, BBC
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