Digital Amnesia is a condition characterized by a decrease in memory capacity due to the changing ways individuals access and store information, driven by the functionality offered by modern digital devices and the internet. This concept was coined in a study conducted by the cybersecurity organization Kaspersky. In its most basic definition, digital amnesia is the experience of forgetting information that a person has been certain is in its correct location, having delegated the ability to store and recall information to a digital device.

This phenomenon is characterized as an erosion of memory functions and is based on the idea that technology addiction, in the internet age, has made digital devices an extension of the human brain. This phenomenon is also known as the "Google Effect," which refers to the tendency to not remember information because it is searchable.

Conceptual Background and Reasons

The conceptual basis of digital amnesia stems from the changes digital technology has wrought in how individuals access and process information. With the proliferation of smartphones and the internet, a solution for accessing, storing, and retrieving information has emerged that has not been experienced in previous centuries. This has led people to prefer storing information on digital devices rather than storing it in their memories. In this process, fundamentally a matter of "Delegation and Trust," the external storage of information by smart devices has led people to trust the superior capacity of the digital mind rather than their own memory, and this has evolved into a new behavioral pattern.

The theory argues that while traditionally the mental effort expended to remember or remember information is directly proportional to its retention in the brain, in the 21st century, encountering fluid information without any effort implicit in it weakens memory capacity. Furthermore, information processing and consolidation processes are negatively affected by this situation; the ease of instant access to information and the availability of immediate answers lead to the impairment of in-depth information processing and critical thinking skills. It is believed that information degrades rapidly due to the lack of repetitive (reinforcement) input and therefore cannot be stored in long-term memory. This symbiotic relationship with digital devices is cited as the primary cause of the increasing incidence of amnesia.

Effects and Consequences

Digital amnesia, in addition to its cognitive effects, also has social and psychological consequences for individuals. In terms of cognitive and neuroscientific effects, the intensive and continuous use of digital devices results in cognitive changes such as distraction and decreased memory functions. This is a common problem, especially for young adults and students, as it negatively impacts learning. Students storing information on digital devices instead of taking notes and relying on the superior capacity of these devices undermines learning and memory retention (consolidation).^【1】  

Some recent neuroscience research suggests that exposure to a constant stream of digital information can lead to structural and functional changes in areas of the brain associated with attention and memory. Cognitive neuroscientists agree that reduced trust in the mind leads to fewer neuronal connections in the brain, ultimately inhibiting brain development. In terms of social and psychological impacts, constant digital device use appears to reduce face-to-face interaction, leading to poor social communication. ^【2】   Furthermore, digital lifestyles, such as increased screen time and the expectation of instant access to information, can lead to various psychological problems in individuals, such as impatience, distractibility, sleep problems, and stress.

Research Findings and Current Situation

A Kaspersky Study conducted by the cybersecurity organization Kaspersky supports this phenomenon with concrete data. The research showed that people use digital devices as a "digital brain" to store information they need to remember. According to the findings, 32% of European consumers say they see digital devices as extensions of their brains, while 79% of Europeans stated that their dependence on digital devices for information access has increased compared to five years ago. ^【3】   This perception is more prevalent in the American sample; 92% of Americans see their digital devices as extensions of their brains, and almost half say they first turn to the internet when faced with a problem and forget about online information immediately after using it.^【4】  

These data reveal that digital devices are used as a means of externalizing memory, which hinders the transfer of information to permanent memory. Another study that aims to understand the current situation is "Studies on Digital Natives." Qualitative research conducted on digital natives, who are university students/graduates between the ages of 18 to 35, suggests that the internet is the dominant and monopoly source of information.^【5】 

The findings of these studies suggest that the internet's dominant source of information stems from the symbiotic relationship individuals have with digital devices, suggesting that this situation reinforces the cognitive devolution underlying digital amnesia. In light of these findings, digital amnesia is viewed as both a byproduct of technological advancements and a syndrome that threatens individual cognitive health.

Prevention and Protection Strategies

Various strategies are recommended to mitigate the negative effects of digital amnesia and maintain cognitive health. Chief among these strategies is a digital detox and time management to control excessive digital device use; this can be mitigated by limiting screen time and periodically implementing digital detoxes. The need for regular memory exercises through activities such as solving puzzles and reading books has also been emphasized to maintain and improve cognitive health. Recent studies, particularly those by Kaspersky, have also shown that returning to physical record-keeping methods—in other words, physical note-taking and planning—rather than relying on digital storage can help transfer information to long-term memory.

On the other hand, strategies such as increased face-to-face social interaction and increased physical activity are recommended for protecting not only cognitive but also social and psychological health. It is recommended to raise public awareness through education on the concept of digital amnesia, its adverse effects, and prevention strategies. The combined application of all these strategies aims to ensure that individuals are resilient to this new cognitive challenge brought about by the digital age and preserve their memory functions.