Methods and apparatus for selecting and providing content data such as visual data and audio data. Pieces of content data are associated with corresponding metadata. The metadata includes information regarding a status at the time of generation of the content data. For example, at the time a picture is taken. The status may include information such as a time, location, and bio-information of a user. A recollection value, representing the significance in recollecting the user's memory, is calculated for each piece of content data using the associated metadata. Content data is selected for output based on the recollection values. Various types of content data may be selected at appropriate times so that the content data will affect the user's memory or feeling.