This paper explores the evolution of mediated memory studies from the 1950s to the 2010s, focusing on the intricate relationship between human memory and media technologies. The core argument is that all memories are, in some sense, mediated, and that memory itself can be considered a medium. The study draws upon José Van Dijck's concept of 'mediated memory,' encompassing both the influence of media on our understanding of memory and the influence of our understanding of physiological memory on media. The research encompasses both the physiological underpinnings of individual memory and the sociocultural aspects of collective memory. The emergence of computational techniques and multimedia technologies in the 1950s marked a pivotal moment, leading to three distinct research trajectories that are chronologically analyzed in this review. The first trajectory focuses on the physiological mechanisms of memory investigated through neuroimaging and computer technology. The second examines the relationship between memory and digital mass media, encompassing sociology, communication studies, and cultural research. The third trajectory represents the convergence of these two approaches, highlighting an increasing interdisciplinary focus.

The paper reviews existing literature on mediated memory, categorized into three phases corresponding to the emergence of distinct research trajectories. The first phase (1950s-1970s) is characterized by research in cognitive science, drawing parallels between human memory and computer information processing. This era saw the application of concepts like storage, access, search, and calculation to model human memory. The second phase (1980s onward) saw a 'memory boom' focusing on the interaction between memory and mass media, particularly collective memory as represented through television and other mass media. This phase highlights the influence of Maurice Halbwachs' work on collective memory and the debates surrounding the role of media in shaping and reconstructing collective memory. Finally, the third phase (2000s onward) emphasizes the integration of insights from both cognitive science and humanities/social sciences. This involves the growing acceptance of 'distributed cognition' and the understanding of memory as a dynamic interplay between internal and external factors, leading to an interdisciplinary approach that considers the ecological aspects of memory.

The paper employs a systematic literature review methodology. The author conducted an extensive review of relevant scholarly publications focusing on mediated memory from the 1950s to 2010s. The review is structured chronologically, tracing the evolution of the field through three distinct phases: a neurocognitive science approach, a humanities and social sciences approach, and a phase of increasing interdisciplinary integration. Within each phase, the author identifies key researchers, influential theories, prevalent methodologies, and ongoing debates. The selection of articles was guided by keywords related to 'mediated memory,' 'media memory,' 'digital memory,' and related concepts. The analysis focuses on identifying key themes, methodological approaches, and shifts in theoretical paradigms within the field of mediated memory research. The paper does not involve primary data collection or analysis; instead, it synthesizes existing research to provide a comprehensive historical overview and critical assessment of mediated memory studies.

The research reveals a shift in understanding mediated memory across three phases. The first phase, dominated by cognitive science, viewed memory through the lens of information processing, comparing the human mind to a computer. However, limitations of this approach, like the 'black box' problem in representational theory, prompted a shift towards embodied cognition. This phase also saw the emergence of neuroimaging technologies that allowed for the visualization of brain activity during memory processes, revealing the reconstructive nature of memory and challenging the simple 'storage' metaphor. The second phase highlighted the role of mass media in shaping collective memory, using Halbwachs' concept of collective memory as a framework. This period explored how media narratives influence our understanding of the past, and debated issues of media manipulation and the resilience of collective memory. The third phase signifies a paradigm shift towards interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from cognitive science and the humanities and social sciences. The concepts of distributed cognition and ecological memory became prominent. Research during this phase examined the impact of digital media, especially social media and the internet, on memory. This included studies on the impact of algorithms on memory, the democratization of memory, and the emergence of 'global memory' and 'collected memories.' Empirical studies using fMRI and other methods explored the neural basis of collective memory and the influence of technology on individual memory.

The findings demonstrate the evolution of mediated memory research from a focus on individual cognitive processes to an understanding that incorporates social and cultural factors. The initial reliance on computational metaphors for memory has given way to more nuanced models emphasizing the embodied, constructive, and distributed nature of memory. The increasingly interdisciplinary nature of the field highlights the complexity of memory in the digital age, recognizing the interconnectedness of individual brains, media technologies, and sociocultural contexts. The study challenges simplistic views of media determinism, acknowledging both the power of media to shape memory and the agency of individuals in interpreting and constructing their memories. The democratization of memory, facilitated by digital media, offers new opportunities for diverse voices and perspectives to be included in the collective record, while also presenting challenges related to information overload and the manipulation of algorithms.

This paper concludes that mediated memory is a complex and evolving field of study requiring a truly interdisciplinary approach. The three trajectories identified reveal a growing awareness of the interplay between individual cognition, media technologies, and sociocultural contexts in shaping memory. Future research should focus on developing integrated theoretical frameworks and methodologies capable of addressing the multifaceted nature of mediated memory in the digital age. Further investigation into the ethical implications of digital memory technologies and the impact of algorithms on memory construction are crucial areas for future exploration.

The paper is limited to a literature review and does not involve primary data collection. This means the findings are based on the existing body of research, and potential biases present in the literature may influence the conclusions. Furthermore, the focus is primarily on research published in English, which may limit the inclusion of studies from non-English speaking contexts. Future research should consider expanding the scope to include a more diverse range of sources.