We treat our memories like a reliable recording of the past. We remember what happened, how we felt, where we were, and what was said. But what if our account is more like a subjective recollection of events? In this episode, we explore the concept of false memories – how they form, why this matters in our everyday lives, and their more serious potential impacts.

We explore:
•        The cognitive mechanisms behind false memories
•        The misinformation effect and the car crash study
•        Why our memories are open to imagination, repetition and social influence
•        Potential consequences of false memories in news reporting and eyewitness testimony
•        The importance of ethical therapeutic practices and memory

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Our favourite sources:
https://innocenceproject.org/dna-exonerations-in-the-united-states/ https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/memory-mind-and-media/article/fake-memories-a-metaanalysis-on-the-effect-of-fake-news-on-the-creation-of-false-memories-and-false-beliefs/B6A66A305AFD6724E1C1C56A68BB5CF2

https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2F0021-9010.83.3.360

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022537174800113?via%3Dihub

https://link.springer.com/article/10.3758/BF03196174

The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.