D(igital)éjà Vu: AI, Mnemohistory, and the Future of Memory

A post by Sheng-Hsiang Lance Peng

Mnemohistory, a term coined by German Egyptologist Jan Assmann, refers to the study of how societies remember and construct their historical narratives. Unlike traditional historiography, which focuses on the objective recording and analysis of past events, mnemohistory emphasises the subjective processes through which memories are formed, preserved, and transmitted across generations. It explores the ways in which collective memory shapes, and is shaped by, cultural, social, and political contexts. Mnemohistory investigates the symbols, rituals, and narratives that communities use to create a sense of shared identity and continuity with the past. Originating from the Greek word “mnemos” meaning memory, and “historia,” meaning enquiry or knowledge, mnemohistory looks into the interaction between memory and history, recognising that our understanding of the past is not static but constantly reinterpreted through the lens of present concerns and future aspirations.

In recent years, the advent of AI has introduced new dimensions to the study of mnemohistory. AI technologies, such as machine learning algorithms and natural language processing, have the capability to analyse vast amounts of historical data and uncover patterns that were previously inaccessible to human historians. These technologies can assist in digitising and preserving cultural artefacts, creating expansive digital archives that ensure the longevity of historical records. Moreover, AI can generate simulations and reconstructions of historical events, offering creative ways to engage with the past. However, the relationship between AI and mnemohistory also raises important questions about the authenticity and ethics of AI-generated memories. As AI systems begin to influence how historical narratives are constructed and disseminated, it becomes crucial to examine the biases innate in these technologies and their impact on collective memory. In this context, mnemohistory provides a valuable framework for understanding the evolving dynamics between memory, history, and technology, urging us to reflect on how we remember and what we choose to remember in an increasingly digital age.

In practical terms, the interaction between mnemohistory and AI can be observed in several real-life applications that illustrate how technology reshapes our engagement with the past. For instance, projects like Europeana and the Google Arts & Culture initiative use AI to digitise and archive cultural heritage, making vast collections of historical artefacts, documents, and artworks accessible to a global audience. These platforms not only preserve historical records but also enhance them with AI-powered features such as image recognition, which helps identify and catalogue previously unclassified materials. Another example is the use of AI in urban planning and historical reconstruction. Researchers, including USC’s Keith Burghardt, have published “HISDAC-ES: Historical Settlement Data Compilation for Spain (1900-2020).” This dataset, derived from cadastral building data, provides detailed information on Spanish cities. AI leverages this data to analyse urban changes over time and help plan sustainable cities for the future. Additionally, AI-driven genealogical services like Ancestry.com and MyHeritage use machine learning algorithms to analyse historical records and help individuals trace their family histories, thus personalising the broader mnemohistorical narrative. These examples demonstrate how AI not only aids in the preservation and interpretation of historical data but also personalises and democratises access to history, allowing individuals and communities to connect with their past in ways that were previously unimaginable.

In our current era, as we continue to merge AI technology with our comprehension and recreation of history, it prompts a series of enquiries that intersect with technological posthumanism and transhumanism. These philosophical paradigms envisage a future where humans transcend their biological boundaries through technological means, leading to an expanded capacity for memory and cognition. However, amidst this transformation, we must critically analyse the implications for our collective memory and identity. The integration of AI into historical narratives raises fundamental questions about the fidelity of human experience representation. Can AI truly encapsulate the nuances of human existence, or does it risk oversimplifying knotty historical events into mere data points? This challenge is particularly pertinent when considering the role of AI in shaping and disseminating historical narratives. As we embark on a journey to augment our cognitive and physical capabilities through AI, how do we ensure the integrity and authenticity of our historical accounts?

One potential consequence of this technological integration is the emergence of curated historical memories controlled by algorithms. This prospect poses significant implications for individual and societal autonomy and agency. Will our future be dictated by algorithmic interpretations of our past, and if so, what does this mean for our understanding of self and society? Addressing these enquiries through the lens of mnemohistory, the exploration of how societies remember the past, and AI offers insights. Mnemohistory highlights the importance of preserving the richness and entanglement of human memory, which is by nature subjective. While AI holds the promise of democratising access to historical knowledge and amplifying diverse narratives, it also presents the risk of homogenising these narratives if not approached with caution. Moreover, AI can serve as a tool to uncover forgotten or marginalised histories, enriching our collective memory. However, this endeavour requires a critical awareness of the biases in any technological system. As we enhance our capabilities with AI, it is imperative to develop robust frameworks that ensure transparency and inclusivity in the curation of historical narratives. Ultimately, the intersection of mnemohistory and AI within the context of posthumanism challenges us to redefine the nature of memory and humanity in a digital age. It urges us to navigate the abstruseness of technological advancement while preserving the essence of our shared past. As we venture into this uncharted territory, it is essential to walk a tightrope between embracing innovation and honouring the niceties of our historical heritage.

The confluence of AI technology with mnemohistory presents an intriguing frontier for posthumanist enquiry. As we traverse future-humanism, it becomes increasingly apparent that our comprehension of memory and identity is undergoing a radical metamorphosis. The interaction between AI and mnemohistory unveils novel avenues for scrutinising the nature of human cognition and the construction of historical narratives. Nonetheless, it also underscores the importance of approaching these advancements with perspicacious reflection and ethical scrutiny. Embracing a posthumanist stance compels us to interrogate the ramifications of AI-mediated memory on our conception of self and societal constructs. Are we teetering on the brink of a digital déjà vu, wherein our past is perpetually reconstructed and reinterpreted by algorithms? Or are we embarking upon a trajectory toward a future of memory that transcends human consciousness? In this ever-evolving milieu, posthumanism furnishes a framework for navigating technological innovation while upholding the abundance of our historical patrimony. It beckons us to envisage an epoch wherein the demarcations between human and machine blur, and wherein the essence of our shared past perseveres amidst the deluge of technological advancement.

As we stand on the precipice of this digital era, let us heed the enlightenment of posthumanism and navigate a path forward where memory evokes a sense of digital déjà vu, serving as a testament to the interconnectedness and multifariousness of human experience.

The original version of this article was published by Information Matters.

Bio

Broadly, Lance researches around and bridges social work and education, writing about a hotchpotch of cross-disciplinary issues. A proponent of perspectives on the uncanny, the persistence of the past, and the examination of societal anxieties and desires, he also pens a phantasmagoria of articles discussing their application across various spheres. Visit this link to explore his webfolio.