The Science of Forgetting: Why We're Already Losing Our Pandemic Memories and Amazon's Gamification Program: Encouraging Productivity Through Play

The Science of Forgetting: Why We're Already Losing Our Pandemic Memories and Amazon's Gamification Program: Encouraging Productivity Through Play

Introduction:

Memory is a complex process that involves various stages, including encoding, consolidation, and retrieval. However, despite our best efforts, forgetting is the default mode of our brains. According to Norman Brown, a cognitive psychology professor at the University of Alberta, "everybody forgets everything all the time." This raises an important question: why are we losing our pandemic memories so quickly? In this article, we delve into the science of forgetting and explore how the gamification program implemented by Amazon in its warehouses can help combat the tedium of repetitive tasks.

The Three Phases of Memory:

To understand why we forget, we need to examine the three interrelated phases of memory: encoding, consolidation, and retrieval. When we encounter new information, our brains encode it by making changes in neurons, particularly in the hippocampus, which is a crucial memory center. These changes create a physical memory trace, known as an engram. However, unless these memories undergo consolidation, they are often lost. Consolidation typically occurs during sleep, making memories more stable and long-term. The hippocampus stores an index of where these cortical memory neurons are, allowing for easier retrieval, similar to how Google search functions.

Memory and Life Stories:

Our memories are deeply intertwined with our life stories and the events that affect us personally. However, even for significant emotional or life-threatening events, capturing all the details can be challenging. The more memories we accumulate, the more difficult it becomes to remember every single one. Additionally, the interference of new memories with older events contributes to forgetting. New events are more salient and easier to remember because we tend to talk about them and rehearse them repeatedly, reinforcing their presence in our memory. Conversely, when events are uniform, they become harder to recall, resulting in unclear memories.

Our Relationship with Pandemic Memories:

As a society, many individuals do not want to hold onto their memories of the COVID-19 pandemic. This aversion to remembering the past stems from a future-oriented positivity bias. We tend to view the future more positively because it can be imagined in various ways, while the past is fixed. When we remember the past, we do so in the present, influenced by our current emotions, knowledge, and attitudes. This reality has significant implications for how we look back on the pandemic and shape our approach to the future.

Preserving Memories for Future Generations:

While individuals pass down their knowledge and family history to their offspring, these communicative memories tend to fade after two or three generations. Without cultural artifacts such as books, movies, statues, and museums, memories of the COVID-19 pandemic may also be consigned to the entropic dustbin of history. To truly preserve one's autobiographical memories in history, there must be a collective effort to turn personal experiences into historical narratives.

Amazon's Gamification Program:

In an effort to combat the tedium and repetition of warehouse work, Amazon has implemented a gamification program. This program aims to encourage productivity among employees by introducing games that offer rewards. However, it is important to note that the rewards are virtual and do not have tangible real-world benefits. According to The Information, employees can earn rewards in the form of virtual pets, such as penguins and dinosaurs. While it remains unclear whether these pets hold any value or can be exchanged for anything, the games themselves have become popular among employees due to their ability to alleviate the monotony of long shifts.

Connecting the Dots:

Although seemingly unrelated, the science of forgetting and Amazon's gamification program share a common thread - the human tendency to forget and the need to combat monotony. While our memories naturally fade over time, introducing elements of play and rewards can help to enhance engagement and alleviate the tediousness of repetitive tasks. By incorporating gamification into the workplace, Amazon recognizes the importance of keeping employees motivated and satisfied, ultimately boosting productivity.

Actionable Advice:

1. Embrace the power of storytelling: To preserve personal memories and ensure they are passed down through generations, focus on weaving your experiences into a compelling narrative. Share your stories with family, friends, and even consider documenting them through various media.

2. Prioritize reflection and consolidation: Actively engage in reflection and consolidation of memories. Take time to review and revisit important events, allowing them to become more deeply ingrained in your long-term memory.

3. Infuse playfulness into daily routines: Whether at work or in your personal life, find ways to introduce elements of play and rewards. Gamifying tasks can enhance motivation, combat monotony, and make experiences more memorable.

Conclusion:

Forgetting is an inherent aspect of human memory, and the COVID-19 pandemic is no exception to this rule. However, by understanding the science behind forgetting and exploring innovative approaches, such as Amazon's gamification program, we can mitigate the loss of important memories. Through storytelling, reflection, and incorporating playfulness into our daily lives, we can create a lasting impact on our personal and collective recollections. Let us embrace the power of memory and strive to preserve our experiences for future generations.