How Much Can We Trust Our Memory?

It's not a storage vault but a constructive and dynamic process, during which we re-create our memories each time, based not only on the event itself but also on new information and emotions.

The Constructive Nature of Memory

Psychological studies show that memory is not a process of passive storage but of active reconstruction. Every time we try to recall an event, our brain collects various fragments—facts, emotions, context—and unites them into a single coherent story. During this process, errors or false information can easily creep in.

• The Vulnerability of Eyewitness Testimony: This vulnerability of memory has a special significance in forensic psychology. It is known that eyewitness testimonies often contain inaccuracies. For example, in 1994, Frank Lee Smith was convicted of murder, with the only evidence being an eyewitness testimony. Smith was innocent, and only 20 years later, thanks to DNA analysis, his innocence was proven. Experts in the field of memory believe that in about 75% of similar cases, people are convicted based on inaccurate eyewitness testimony.
• The False Memory Syndrome: This phenomenon was extensively studied by psychologist Elizabeth Loftus. She showed that it is possible to implant false memories in people. In one of her famous experiments, she presented participants with a false childhood story—that they had gotten lost in a shopping mall. Surprisingly, about 25% of the participants began to "remember" details of that event.

Why Our Memory Changes

The reasons for the changes in our memory are numerous:

1. Emotional State: Strong emotions, such as stress or fear, can either strengthen or impair the formation of a memory. For example, after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, psychologists studied people's memories. A year later, about 40% of the people recalled different details about the event than they did a week after. This shows how emotional memories change over time.
2. The Factor of Time: Over time, our memories fade. The brain fills in the gaps based on general knowledge and new information.
3. Personal Bias: Our memories often serve our self-esteem and worldview. We tend to remember positive experiences better and forget or alter negative ones.

Trusting our memory is a complex process. On one hand, it is the foundation of our identity, but on the other hand, it is often unreliable. This doesn't mean that our memory is entirely false. It means that it is filtered, interpreted, and shaped by our personal experiences. This cognitive awareness allows us to be more critical of our memories and better understand the complexities of the human mind.