Exploring Digital Amnesia Among Generation Z: A Literature Review

Abstract

Over the past ten years, the widespread use of mobile devices, especially smartphones, has changed how teenagers communicate. But worries have surfaced about how using a smartphone excessively affects cognitive abilities, particularly memory and attention, which can result in a condition called “digital amnesia.” The effects of excessive reliance on smartphones, computers, and search engines on short-term memory are the main focus of this literature review, which also examines and summarizes empirical findings on digital amnesia among Generation Z. A methodical search strategy was used to find studies, that were then assessed for methodological rigor and relevance. The findings suggest that using a smartphone during adolescence may interfere with the development of attention and memory. Digital amnesia may be influenced by digital devices, which emphasizes the need for more study and treatment. Improving functional media literacy, along with addressing concerns about long-term cognitive effects and encouraging healthier technology habits, emerges as a critical strategy to prevent digital amnesia. The results highlight the need for more research, interventions, and improved media literacy to protect people’s general and cognitive health in the digital age, especially for Generation Z.

Keywords: Digital amnesia; Generation Z; Smartphones; Memory; Smartphone; Academic performance; Literature review

Introduction

Over the past decade, mobile gadgets like smartphones have become a common form of communication, particularly among teenagers. The rapid adoption of portable gadgets such as smartphones and tablets has significantly transformed the information and communication landscape. Phones have evolved from simple calling devices to nearly replacing computers for online browsing, instant messaging, and productivity applications. However, constant connectivity has led to heavy smartphone usage, potentially causing distraction [9].

Brief distractions, such as using a phone for three seconds, can shift attention away from cognitive tasks, resulting in decreased academic performance. Concerns have arisen regarding the impact of technology on the well-being of children and adolescents, particularly regarding mental health disorders [2]. Additionally, the growing use of technology has changed how individuals interact with and rely on technology, leading to phenomena such as the 'Google Effect', or in other ways 'digital amnesia,' where people tend to forget easily accessible information stored on digital devices [3]. It's like leaning on a crutch so much that our legs become weak. So, when we don't have access to our devices, we might struggle to remember basic information or tasks that we would have easily remembered before. Neelima and Sunder (2019) as cited in Ellison's article "Are Smart Phones Making Us Dumber?" highlighted that short-term memory serves as an indicator of an individual's attention span during the learning process, and investigated its adverse impacts on brain function.

By examining several studies, this paper aims to explore, synthesize, and integrate important empirical results about digital amnesia in Generation Z. Excessive reliance on smartphones, computers, and search engines may weaken short-term memory, leading to the forgetting easily accessible information. To stop digital amnesia from impairing people's ability to think clearly, researchers should continue examining the effects of technology on memory in the future. This work seeks to assist future researchers who wish to delve deeper into this subject by providing an overview of what we currently know.

Methodology

A systematic search approach was utilized in this study to locate pertinent literature from a comprehensive range of electronic databases and scholarly platforms. Specifically, searches were conducted across prominent databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, ResearchGate, Springer, Mendeley, and reputable international journals. Articles with a focus on the terms "digital amnesia," "memory," Generation Z”, “lit erature review”, “academic performance” and "smartphones" that were published between 2019 and 2024 were chosen. Every paper was put through a rigorous evaluation process that determined whether or not it should be included based on factors such as the presentation of primary data, methodological reliability, the clarity of the findings, and the use of reputable assessment tools. This narrative literature review only included research that was considered exceptionally good and especially pertinent.

Results

Table 1

  


    
Reference

    
Finding    Summary

  

  


    
Neelima P, & Sunder RR [6].

    
Smartphone usage can disrupt attention and    memory formation, potentially affecting adolescents, but the correlation    between smartphone usage and short-term memory scores is weak and    statistically insignificant.

  

  


    
Lodha P [3].

    
Digital devices may influence digital amnesia,    a potential neurological issue, highlighting the need for further research    and intervention.

  

  


    
Oleshko & Oleshko [7]

    
Enhancing functional media literacy is    important for preventing digital amnesia, encouraging multimedia content,    lowering smartphone dependency, and encouraging audience and communicator    dialogue.

  

  


    
Swaminathan    & History [8]

    
Highlights the increasing reliance on    electronic devices among students, causing memory erosion and digital    amnesia, which threatens academic rigor and essential human skills    development.

  

  


    
Yadav [10]

    
The potential long-term effects of digital    amnesia and memory loss, emphasize the need for understanding and    safeguarding our memories in the digital age.

  

  


    
Tanil & Yong [9]

    
Excessive phone use can hinder focus, memory,    and performance in tasks requiring thinking and recall, potentially    indicating excessive phone attachment.

  

  


    
Musa & Mohd Sobhi Ishak [4]

    
Academic achievement, motivation, critical    thinking abilities, and independence can all be badly impacted by digital    amnesia, a condition marked by an overwhelming dependence on technology.

  

  


    
Daniyal et al [1]

    
The study revealed a significant link between    excessive cellphone use and physical and mental health issues, underscoring    the need for healthier technology habits.

  

  


    
Musa & Ishak [5]

    
Concerns regarding long-term cognitive effects    are raised by digital amnesia. etc. in developing nations such as Indonesia,    which calls for thorough research and active stakeholder participation.

  

  


    
Girela-Serrano et al [2]

    
The review suggests that increased mobile    phone usage may lead to poorer mental health in children and adolescents,    especially during bedtime, but no direct impact of RF-EMF was identified.

  

Table 1: Representative publications exploring digital amnesia among Generation Z.