Internet Influence on Memory: Analysis of Google Effect

LI Ming

Chinese Journal of Journalism & Communication ›› 2014, Vol. 36 ›› Issue (5) : 21-32.

Chinese Journal of Journalism & Communication ›› 2014, Vol. 36 ›› Issue (5) : 21-32.

Internet Influence on Memory: Analysis of Google Effect

  • Li Ming, lecturer at the School of Journalism and Communication, Nanjing University. Email: liming@nju.edu.cn.
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Abstract

What makes human memory different from animal memory is that the human being has created a perfect memory media system enabling externalization of memory and thus successfully breaking through the limit of space and time. As a new type of memory media, Internet is changing the memory mode of human beings. As individual memory concerned, Google Effect manifests the reliance on the Internet memory, while the search engine enhances individual cognition and self-esteem remarkably. As collective memory concerned, online virtual community makes it convenient for the enhancement of autobiographical memory, although the efficiency of such enhancement is yet to be discussed; while the search engine extends the range of effective human being cognition, for people now can learn and study without relying on the guidance of functional memory as before, but the collective memory of this Internet era yet remains as a social architecture, while a brand-new domination mode is quietly under development for collective memory.

Key words

Google effect / individual memory / collective memory / Internet

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LI Ming. Internet Influence on Memory: Analysis of Google Effect[J]. Chinese Journal of Journalism & Communication. 2014, 36(5): 21-32

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