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Cited by 14Identity, Memory, and TherapyMemory Processes and InfluencesCognitive Functions and Memory

Autobiographical memory in the digital age: Insights based on the subjective reports of users of smart journaling apps

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Hutmacher, Fabian, Schläger, Linus, Meerson, Rinat·2023·Applied Cognitive Psychology
DOI 10.1002/acp.4033
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Abstract

Humans have long used external memory aids to support remembering. However, modern digital technologies could facilitate recording and remembering personal information in an unprecedented manner. The present research sought to understand the potential impact of these technologies on autobiographical memory based on interviews with users of smart journaling apps. In Study 1 ( N = 12), participants who had no prior experience with smart journaling apps tested the app Day One for 2 weeks and were interviewed about their subjective perceptions afterwards. In order to cross‐validate the obtained findings, Study 2 ( N = 4) was based on in‐depth interviews with long‐time users of different smart journaling apps. Taken together, the two studies provide insights into the way autobiographical remembering may change in the digital age – but also into the opportunities and risks potentially associated with the use of technologies that allow creating a detailed and multimedia‐based record of one's life.

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  • Concerns regarding data privacy resulting from tech companies collecting information might keep users from fully exhausting the options that the available technology offers.

    “In turn, the concerns regarding data privacy resulting from this might keep users from fully exhausting the options that the available technology offers (cf.Hutmacher et al., 2023).”

    From Understanding Autobiographical Memory in the Digital Age: The AMEDIA-Model (2024) · cites this paper as Hutmacher et al., 2023

    The General Discussion (page unavailable) says privacy and data-protection concerns led several participants not to record personal information and could prevent people from using smart-journaling technologies. This supports the claim that privacy concerns may limit use, but the passages do not specifically identify tech companies’ collection of information as the cause of those concerns. (LLM, conf=0.83)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • These findings are in line with the results obtained when looking at the effects of note-taking as well as the subjective perceptions of users of smart journaling apps.

    “Importantly, these findings are in line with the results obtained when looking at the effects of note-taking (Schryer & Ross, 2013) as well as the subjective perceptions of users of smart journaling apps (Hutmacher et al., 2023).”

    From Understanding Autobiographical Memory in the Digital Age: The AMEDIA-Model (2024) · cites this paper as Hutmacher et al., 2023

  • The digital age could lead to a fundamental transformation of autobiographical remembering.

    “the digital age could lead to a fundamental transformation of autobiographical remembering.”

    From Understanding Autobiographical Memory in the Digital Age: The AMEDIA-Model (2024) · cites this paper as Hutmacher et al., 2023

  • There are potential downsides to possessing a detailed digital record of one's life.

    “Despite the positive effects that possessing a detailed digital record of one's life might have, there are also potential downsides (cf.Hutmacher et al., 2023).”

    From Understanding Autobiographical Memory in the Digital Age: The AMEDIA-Model (2024) · cites this paper as Hutmacher et al., 2023

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Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Hutmacher, F., Schläger, L., & Meerson, R.
Affiliations
University of Würzburg (DE)
Corresponding author
Hutmacher, Fabian
ORCID
Venue
Applied Cognitive Psychology
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2023-01-11
Volume
37
Issue
4
Pages
686-698
ISSN
  • 0888-4080 (ISSN-L)
  • 1099-0720
DOI
10.1002/acp.4033
OpenAlex
W4315651386
Cited by
14
References
4
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 5 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 4
FWCI
6.81
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Applied Cognitive Psychology (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
  • Online Publication Service of Würzburg University (Würzburg University) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Identity, Memory, and Therapy
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory Processes and Influences
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Cognitive Functions and Memory
Keywords
autobiographical memory, user perception

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