The Psychology of Forgetting and Why Memory Fails
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Memory fails us all. We forget what we want to remember; even what we remember fails us regularly. But why does memory fail us? And how can we stop it from happening?
Both questions’ answers are complicated, but some general principles are at work. The first is that memory is simply a process; like all processes, it can be broken down into individual steps. Each of these steps can be influenced by the environment in which it takes place.
The second principle is that memory is not a passive process. The brain constantly interacts with the environment, which can significantly impact how well we remember things we interact with. The world shapes our memories in two ways: directly, through things we see, hear, and feel, and indirectly, through our thoughts and beliefs.
The last principle is that memory is not static. Our memories constantly change, and the events around us drive this change. In addition, our memories are shaped by our beliefs, expectations, and emotions.
All of these principles work together to create the unique memory of each individual. And, as we know, no two memories are the same. Unfortunately, this means that memory is never completely immune to error.