A Very Short Introduction to Memory and Technology

The Memory Research Group, a Special Interest Group incubated by Summer of Protocols, argues that memory has never been purely internal or external and that current debates over machines and human memorization may miss this. The post begins with Frances Yates' account of the method of loci and Cicero's concept of Memory as "firm perception of things," then contrasts the axe as a tool with AI tools that now model and act on users. It cites a recent study showing diminished brain activity among ChatGPT users, and invokes Bernard Stiegler and Marshall McLuhan's idea that technologies can act as both extensions and amputations of faculties. The group meets every two weeks on Discord, with the next session set for August 21, 2025 at 1430 UTC.