Andres-Clavera, Miguel. 2018. Technology Mediated Memories in Networked Societies: Scan- Memories, Himba Chronotopes and Wearable Absence. Doctoral thesis, Goldsmiths, University of London [Thesis] https://research.gold.ac.uk/id/eprint/24007/ The version presented here may differ from the published, performed or presented work. Please go to the persistent GRO record above for more information. If you believe that any material held in the repository infringes copyright law, please contact the Repository Team at Goldsmiths, University of London via the following email address: [email protected]. The item will be removed from the repository while any claim is being investigated. For more information, please contact the GRO team: [email protected] Technology Mediated Memories in Networked Societies: ScanMemories, Himba Chronotopes and Wearable Absence Miguel de Andrés-Clavera Goldsmiths University of London PhD in Art and Computational Technology I declare that the work presented in the thesis is my own. Signed. Miguel de Andrés Clavera 2 Acknowledgements I would like to express my gratitude to my supervisors, Janis Jefferies and Robert Zimmer for their constructive comments reflected in the thesis and warm encouragement. I would specially like to pay tribute to Inyong Cho, a dear colleague and friend who passed away during our time at Goldsmiths. It is a privilege to be part of the Goldsmiths University of London family. Siguiendo un proceso vital por Zaragoza, Londres y Singapur. 3 Abstract Memories are the windows to the past, metaphysical relationships that are developed and associated within the mind, preserved, and shared with others, even sent into the future. Individuals, communities, cultures, and even countries have memories that may be dramatically important to their very existence or simply the directions to the nearest coffee shop. As early as language and communication, the need to save and share memories has been important, whether to share concepts, lessons, or even simply for entertainment. Contributions of this research are focused on the applications of technology regarding memory and memory storage. Using an action research design, the exploration of new technologies occurs through project designs and testing of memory technologies and how they will benefit society in the future, from ability to preserve memories more completely, regain them, historical value, and preservation of culture through memory sharing. Each project explores specific applications that present new ideas on how memories influence our lives and how the future of memories can influence new generations through technology. This research includes the work presented in the appendix regarding the various projects and concepts of Scan Memories, HimbaChronotopes, and Wearable Absence, with an overview of the items covered in the chapters. Memory objects, memory spaces, digital and physical space, interactive memory making, collective and social memory are explored in relationship to potential real-world applications in daily living. Finally, the work concludes with how project interrelates with the exploration into research and application of the technology, the risks, the future, and implications. 4 Table of Contents Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................. 2 Abstract ............................................................................................................................... 3 Table of Contents ................................................................................................................ 5 Table of Figures ................................................................................................................ 11 Chapter 1: Introduction ..................................................................................................... 12 Aims and Objectives ..................................................................................................... 16 Research Questions ....................................................................................................... 17 Research Methodology .................................................................................................. 19 Introducing the Projects ................................................................................................ 19 Scan Memories ........................................................................................................ 20 Wearable Absence ................................................................................................... 22 HimbaChronotopes .................................................................................................. 23 Participants in this Research ......................................................................................... 24 Contributions ................................................................................................................. 24 Document Structure ....................................................................................................... 25 Chapter 2: Literature Review ............................................................................................ 27 Defining, History, and Types of Memories ................................................................... 28 Temporal and Spatial Position of Memory ............................................................. 37 Collective and Social Memory ................................................................................ 40 History of Memory Storage ..................................................................................... 44 5 The Importance of Keeping and Accessing Memories ........................................... 46 Summary ................................................................................................................. 48 Memory Storage and Memory Recollection ................................................................. 49 Personal and Community Memory Using Technology ........................................... 49 Digital Embodiment of Memories ........................................................................... 55 Memory Objects ...................................................................................................... 59 Memory Spaces ....................................................................................................... 63 Digital and Physical Spaces .................................................................................... 66 Remembering Self – Interactive Memory Making ................................................. 69 HimbaChronotopes .................................................................................................. 73 Self and Nation – Memories Interacting Upon Each Other .................................... 76 Recording Memory as a Form of Digitized Information ........................................ 77 Memory Development and Storage ......................................................................... 82 Summary ................................................................................................................. 84 Externalization and Mediation of Memory in a Digital World ..................................... 85 Importance of Memories: Self and Society ............................................................. 85 Defining Memory Mediation versus Memory Creation .......................................... 91 Autobiographical Memory Mediation and Digitization .......................................... 94 Digital Memories to Propagate Cultural Behaviours .............................................. 99 A Future View of the Present – Historical Documentation .................................. 103 Communication – Digital Manifestations of Cultural Change .............................. 107 6 Ritualized Memory Practices in a Digital World .................................................. 111 Memory Interaction in a Digital versus Physical Element .................................... 115 Mediating Differences in Digital versus Metaphysical Memories ........................ 117 Historical Self ........................................................................................................ 120 Censorship, Disremembrance, and Privacy ................................................................. 124 Censorship and Disremembrance Today ............................................................... 124 History of Censorship, Disremembrance, and Privacy ......................................... 132 Self-Censorship and “Always On” Technologies ................................................. 135 Social Networks and Mass Memory Auditing ...................................................... 137 Cultural Censorship versus Individualism ............................................................ 138 The Question of Art, History, and Regulation ...................................................... 140 Summary ............................................................................................................... 141 Memory Saving and Networking Integration .............................................................. 142 Memory Saving and Technology .......................................................................... 142 Creating Persistent Memories under Supervision ................................................. 144 Moderating the Moderators ..................................................................................