Exploring the Role of Technology in Processing Everyday Unpleasant Memories
Context
People naturally think about their negative memories more frequently than their positive ones. This is because unpleasant experiences often require deeper emotional and cognitive processing to make sense of them. However, despite the significance of reflection in emotional well-being, current technological solutions rarely address this need effectively.
In Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), memory technologies have largely focused on capturing and preserving moments, but reflective technologies remain underexplored—especially in the context of unpleasant memories.
Paper Under Review at ACM Creative & Cognitive
Second Author
8 Months
My Role
Conducted secondary research on memory processing stages and determined the best methodology (interviews vs. surveys) for studying technology’s role in memory reflection.
Designed and refined the survey, focusing on what, how, and why people share unpleasant memories, and iterated based on pilot feedback.
Led data analysis, using thematic methods to understand qualitative insights and quantitative techniques to analyze demographics.
Authored key sections of the research paper, including methodology and findings, ensuring clarity and academic rigor.
Created visuals and graphics to effectively present study’s insights.
Research Goals
How do people capture, express, share, and reflect on their unpleasant memories?
What are the individuals’ needs and strategies to process unpleasant memories?
Overview
Through this study, we examined how people process unpleasant memories (capture, express, share, reflect on) , identifying key differences between thinking styles and potential design implications.
Figure: Memory Processing Model and Motivations of Individuals In Each Stage
Research Methodology
How We Designed the Survey?
We started by piloting a small-scale survey to refine our questions based on initial responses. Based on feedback, we adjusted questions to ensure clarity, depth, and participant comfort.
End
Start
Demographics
(age, gender, background)
Memory Processing Habits
(capturing, expressing, sharing)
Cognitive Styles
(reflection vs. rumination)
Technology Interaction
(use of digital tools in memory recall)
Figure: Qualtrics Survey
Key Findings
Different people (reflectors and ruminators) have different attitudes towards technology, and their needs differ.
They engage with memory technologies differently—reflectors do not trust the effect of technology, and they have a separate processing phase, while ruminators prefer expressive outlets and they need to communicate with others, in addition to trusting the influence of technology
Participants displayed individual and social acceptance plays a role in the processing of unpleasant memories.
Figure: Comparison of Reflectors vs. Ruminators
Learnings
Worked at the intersection of HCI, psychology, and technology, gaining experience in interdisciplinary research thinking.
Designed and conducted a mixed-methods UX research study, integrating qualitative and quantitative research approaches.
Developed engaging visuals and key takeaways to bridge research insights with product and design teams effectively.