Joel Anderson on AI and the Future of Human Memory

In this episode of Disrupted Futures, Dr. Radhika Mittal speaks with Prof. Dr. Joel Anderson, Professor of Moral Psychology and Social Philosophy at Utrecht University and ESDiT research fellow and Management Board member, about how artificial intelligence is transforming the way we remember, forget, and make sense of our lives. Together, they explore the promises and ethical challenges of AI-powered memory technologies, from digital assistants that help us recall everyday information to systems that record, organise, and curate our personal and shared experiences. Joel invites us to rethink memory as something more than simply storing and retrieving information. Our memories shape our identities, relationships, and sense of belonging, and remembering is often something we do together. As AI increasingly takes on the role of remembering for us, new questions arise about privacy, autonomy, ownership, and the value of forgetting. From memory augmentation and digital inequality to the right to control our memories, this conversation explores how we can harness AI to strengthen human capabilities and connections without creating new forms of dependency or leaving vulnerable communities behind. 🎧 Have a listen, share your reflections, and join the conversation! In this episode: How AI-powered memory technologies are changing the way we remember and forget The role of memory in shaping personal identity, relationships, and shared experiences The promises of memory augmentation for people with cognitive impairments Who owns and controls our digital memories, and why portability matters How AI memory technologies could deepen digital inequalities Why forgetting, spontaneity, and serendipity are essential to human experience How we can design memory technologies that support autonomy, inclusion, and human flourishing #MemoryAugmentation #AI #AIEthics #TechnologyEthics #DigitalMemory #HumanAutonomy #DigitalInequality #DigitalRights #PersonalIdentity #HumanFlourishing #MemoryCuration #RememberingTogether #ForgettingTogether 00:00 Introduction 02:19 How AI Is Changing Human Memory 05:50 Memory Aids, Disability and Inclusion 10:15 Shared Memories, Relationships and Data Control 17:15 AI Memory Assistants and Digital Dependence 20:06 Memory Technologies and Inequality 28:21 Why Forgetting Matters 32:22 Designing Responsible Memory Technologies 36:59 Hopes, Fears and the Future of Memory