Taking photographs ruins the memory, research finds

[Archean]

Taking photographs ruins the memory, research finds

Taking photographs at a birthday or a wedding has become as natural as blowing out candles or cutting the cake.But our obsession with recording every detail of our happiest moments could be damaging our ability to remember them, according to new research.

A study has shown that taking pictures rather than concentrating fully on the events in front of us prevents memories taking hold.Dr Linda Henkel, from Fairfield University, Connecticut, described it as the "photo-taking impairment effect".

 

[Jad Chaar]

Fascinating. Thanks for sharing.

 

[DelJo63]

Interesting. I do take lots of picture, but primarily when traveling and not at social gatherings. I offer a contradiction: I just returned from Rome and walked directly to a favorite restaurant about a mile from my location - - I seem to navigate by 'minds-eye visual clues'.

 

[LNCPapa]

I'm sure it's not the same for everyone but I bet there is something to this study. It seems like something I should have picked up on or saw in the movie Idiocracy. I know having a GPS has really hurt my ability to remember directions... I don't even try anymore since I can just say to my phone that I want to go somewhere and that voice tells me exactly where to turn.

 

[slh28]

I have to say this is kind of true, especially when recording videos at concerts, sporting events, etc. which become much less immersive.

 

[learninmypc]

I may be off base here, but what if you're recording it for person(s) that can't be there?
Is one expected to explain every thing in detail to the one(s) not there?

 

[davislane1]

...There would be a giant photograph at the top of the article.

Now, what were we talking about?