Socia Media Aids in Memory Retrieval

 

Reactivation of recently acquired information can strengthen memory storage and likely contributes to memory consolidation.

In regards to memory improvement, many lifestyle changes can be attributed to strengthening storage and retrieval of memories including getting a full night's sleep, obtaining a healthy diet, taking part in physical exercise, and remaining social. Aside from lifestyle choices, we can strengthen our memory through various actions such as retrieval of memories. 

In a recent study performed by Bridge & Paller (2012), it was concluded that memory storage and consolidation can be improved, specifically, through the reactivation or retrieval of information acquired by the brain from prior events. Furthermore, through the retrieval of information, a revision of memory takes place. 

In relation to this study, a new study looked at the impact of retrieved social media posts on memory. Conducted by Qi Wang, the professor of human development in the College of Human Ecology and personal memory expert, the study looked how social media posts predicted its likelihood of being recollected. After asking 66 Cornell students to keep a diary and note which daily events were posted on social media, the researchers then rated each event on its level of personal importance as well as its level of emotional intensity. By evaluating quizzes on the amount of events recalled by students, researchers were able conclude there was a significant amount of predictability of social media posts. This could be attributed to the fact that the information being posted is most likely autobiographical and is linked to a personal memory. 

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, allow individuals to discuss personal experiences with others, receiving social feedback, in a public space. Thus, there is a sense of memory retrieval occurring as we receive notifications when others have liked, commented on, or shared our posts, leading us to go back and observe our posts. This constant reactivation of memory could be the reason our memory storage is being strengthened (Bridge & Paller, 2012). 

On another note, we know that memory is often selective by our own mind; however, certain social media platforms frequently select past memories for us to reflect on. For example, Facebook provides daily look backs on our past posts throughout a span of a few years. One can also download apps that update us on our past twitter posts. Providing this memory selection, social media is once again promoting retrieval of information, causing us to strengthen the storage of specific events into our memory. 

Finally, as we consider the fact that social media platforms automatically select past memories and posts for us to recollect, we should think about how we can promote retrieval ourselves through social media. With the knowledge of the benefits of retrieval, we should consider possibly looking back at our own posts. Disregarding social media, we can contemplate the benefits of keeping diaries or journals to write personal events and experiences in. Perhaps by looking back on our own autobiographies, we can continue to improve our memory abilities. 

Resources:

Bridge, D. J. & Paller, K. A. (2012). Neural Correlates of Reactivation and Retrieval-Induced Distortion. The Journal of Neuroscience, 32(35), 12144-12151. 

http://esciencenews.com/articles/2016/09/09/posting.personal.experiences.social.media.may.help.you.remember.them.future