The Science of Forgetting and the Next Big Thing: Connecting the Dots

The Science of Forgetting and the Next Big Thing: Connecting the Dots

Introduction:

In a world where information overload is the norm, our brains have developed a default mode of forgetting. According to cognitive psychology professor Norman Brown, forgetting is a basic assumption that we can make about everybody. But why do we forget, and how does it relate to the next big thing? In this article, we will explore the science of forgetting and how disruptive technologies often start out being dismissed as mere toys.

The Three Phases of Memory:

Our memory goes through three interrelated phases: encoding, consolidation, and retrieval. When we encounter new information, our brains encode it by making changes in neurons in memory centers like the hippocampus. These changes create a physical memory trace known as an engram. However, much of this information is lost unless it undergoes memory consolidation, which often happens during sleep. During this process, memories become more stable and long-term.

Memory Retrieval and Interference:

During memory retrieval, the neurons associated with the memory trace are reactivated. Our memories are centered around our life stories and the events that affected us personally the most. However, capturing all of these memories becomes increasingly challenging as new memories interfere with older events. The more life we live, the more likely we are to remember new events due to their salience and the frequency with which we rehearse them. On the other hand, uniform events are harder to recall as the memory tends to group them together as one.

The Positivity Bias and the Future:

As a society, many people don't want to hold onto their memories of the COVID-19 pandemic. This tendency stems from a future-oriented positivity bias, where we view the future more positively than the past. Unlike the past, which is fixed, the future can be imagined in various ways. This bias has implications for how we look back on the pandemic and how we navigate the future.

Stapling Memories into History:

For memories to endure and become part of history, they need to be transformed by cultural artifacts such as books, movies, statues, and museums. Without these artifacts, memories may be consigned to the entropic dustbin of history. While parents pass down their knowledge and family history to offspring, these communicative memories only last for a few generations. Therefore, it is crucial for history to take individual experiences and turn them into collective memories that can withstand the test of time.

The Disruptive Technology Theory:

Clay Christensen's theory of disruptive technology offers insights into why big new things often sneak by incumbents. Disruptive technologies are initially dismissed as toys because they undershoot user needs. However, to distinguish disruptive toys from those that will remain insignificant, one must look at products as processes. The key lies in the external forces that shape the trajectory of these technologies, such as microchips becoming cheaper, bandwidth becoming ubiquitous, and mobile devices becoming smarter. Disruptive products are designed to ride these changes up the utility curve, steadily improving and eventually surpassing user needs.

The Process of Disruption:

Wikipedia serves as a prime example of a disruptive technology. It is a process that gets better each day, despite being edited by spammers, vandals, and other disruptive elements. While the users' need for encyclopedic information remains steady, Wikipedia's continuous improvement ensures that it meets and surpasses these needs. Startups with sustaining technologies are unlikely to be the ones that make it to the top lists in 2020. Instead, it is the disruptive technologies, often dismissed as toys, that have the potential to revolutionize industries.

Actionable Advice:

1. Embrace the power of forgetting: Recognize that forgetting is a natural part of human memory. Instead of dwelling on what we forget, focus on creating meaningful experiences and memories that will stand the test of time.

2. Embrace disruptive technologies: Don't dismiss new technologies as mere toys. Look beyond their initial limitations and assess their potential for growth and improvement. Consider how these technologies can ride the wave of external forces and meet future user needs.

3. Preserve memories through cultural artifacts: As individuals, we can contribute to the preservation of collective memories by creating and supporting cultural artifacts. Whether it's writing a book, making a film, or visiting museums, these artifacts play a vital role in ensuring that memories endure beyond individual recollections.

Conclusion:

The science of forgetting and the rise of disruptive technologies may seem unrelated at first glance. However, upon closer examination, we can see the common thread that connects them. Our memories are shaped by how we encode, consolidate, and retrieve information, while disruptive technologies disrupt established industries by initially undershooting user needs. By understanding these processes and embracing the potential for growth and improvement, we can navigate the complexities of memory and innovation in an ever-changing world.