We all know memory is fallible, but even so it was a shock. A few weeks ago I read an article I had written — and found myself with no recollection of writing it. There was simply no spark of recognition. My memory could not be jogged; even the sharp shove of seeing my words underneath my byline did nothing.
This experience is a common one for writers in the age of internet search and digital archives. A friend recently told the story of how he had stumbled over the news that a favourite artist (now dead) had played a secret gig in London some years ago. He wished heartily that he had seen it — until a little poking around with Google revealed that he had. He could tell he had, because he had written a review.
This feeling of profound alienation from yourself is now available to everyone, thanks to the huge volume of digital content most of us create: texts, WhatsApp messages, blogs and comments. Facebook makes a point of reintroducing you to your past selves through its “On This Day” feature, plonking a picture of you, sun-tanned and happy, from that holiday years ago right in the middle of your news feed.