Memories are volatile from "summary" of Brain Rules (Updated and Expanded) by John Medina
Memories are like delicate threads woven into the fabric of our minds. They are not static, unchanging entities, but rather dynamic and easily influenced by various factors. Our memories are highly malleable, susceptible to distortion and alteration over time. This volatility of memories can be attributed to the fact that they are not stored in isolation, but are interconnected with other information in our brains. When we recall a memory, we are not simply retrieving a fixed snapshot of the past. Instead, our brains reconstruct the memory each time we remember it, incorporating new details or emotions that may not have been present initially. This process of memory reconsolidation can lead to the introduction of errors or inaccuracies, causing our recollections to diverge from the actual events that took place. Additionally, memories can be easily influenced by external factors such as suggestion, misinformation, or even our own biases. For example, a leading question or a misleading piece of information can distort our memories and lead us to believe things that never actually occurred. This phenomenon, known as memory contamination, highlights the fragility of our recollections and the ease with which they can be manipulated. Moreover, the passage of time can also impact the stability of our memories. As memories age, they become more susceptible to decay and distortion, leading to the loss of details or the merging of multiple events into a single memory. This process of memory degradation is a natural consequence of the brain's limited capacity to store and maintain information over time.- The concept that memories are volatile underscores the dynamic and ever-changing nature of our recollections. Our memories are not fixed entities but rather fluid and susceptible to modification. By understanding the fragility of our memories, we can appreciate the complexity of the human mind and the intricate processes involved in remembering.
