German experts examine memory filtering and student attention in the digital age

Psychologists Ciara Greene and Gillian Murphy argue that the brain actively discards trivial memories to prevent overload, describing forgetting as an energy‑saving system rather than a flaw. Their view builds on research by Elizabeth Loftus on false memories and cites cases such as hyperthymestic savant Jill Price, who finds an exhaustive personal memory burdensome.

Gymnasial teacher Emily Horbach, reflecting on schooling in the 1990s versus today, says students’ attention spans have collapsed under constant smartphone distraction. She stresses that brief moments of boredom and analog classroom tools foster deeper thinking, and calls for a “media‑diet” akin to the 1990s to support healthy brain development.