difference-between-media-lifespan-and-memory-lifespan Digital Archaeology

Digital Archaeology

The Difference Between the Lifespan of Media and the Lifespan of Memory

Thinking about the difference between the physical and technical lifespan of media (websites, SNS, apps) and the lifespan of human memory. Media deteriorates and disappears, but memory is passed on through stories. But how does this difference change in the digital age? As digital archaeology, questioning the limits of preservation and the permanence of memory.

01 Media Permanence Theory

With appropriate preservation technology, the lifespan of media can be extended beyond that of memory.

02 Memory Priority Theory

Media is merely a temporary record, and true memory resides in human storytelling and experience.

  1. If the SNS or app you are using now suddenly disappeared, what memories would be lost?

  2. When you saw an old blog or homepage still remaining, what emotions welled up?

  3. Do you think memory can live on without media?

Record vsMemory
Media is an accurate record, but memory includes emotions and context. Which is real?
Anxiety of Disappearance vsSense of Liberation
Both the anxiety of data disappearing and the sense of liberation from being freed from the past.
Talk note

This theme is not about sadness for what is lost, but a place to rediscover the value of what remains.

Lifespan of Media
The period until data is lost due to technical obsolescence or server shutdown.
Lifespan of Memory
The duration of memory sustained by the human brain or through storytelling. Varies by individual and culture.
Digital Degradation
The phenomenon where data becomes unreadable or formats become obsolete.
Ice breaker

If all digital data of family trip photos from childhood were lost, how would you feel?

Deep dive

If the lifespan of media is shorter than that of memory, what should we prioritize to leave behind?

  • The process of old photos deteriorating
  • The difference between family albums and digital data
  • How the internet has changed memory