Has it ever happened to you that you remembered an incident from childhood very clearly, but when you mentioned it, he said, “That never happened!”
In such situations we get confused. Actually, the real reason behind this is that sometimes our brain creates such memories which are not completely correct. In psychology, this is called fake memory. Interestingly, this experience happens to most people. So let’s know about it-
Our memory is not like a camera
Most people think that their memory is like a camera. Whereas in reality this is not the case. Our brain (Brain Health) does not record every detail of every incident. When we remember a past event, the brain reconstructs that memory by combining available information, emotions, and later information. This is why we may remember the main details of an event correctly, but the place, time, conversation or other small details may change.
You may even remember something you heard.
Sometimes it happens that even what we hear from others feels like our own. If an incident or story is narrated repeatedly in childhood, then gradually a picture of that incident starts forming in the mind. Then after some time you may feel as if you had seen the entire scene yourself.
Also surfaced in research
However, research on this topic continues even today. But a study published in 2024 showed that false memories can be formed even in very short periods of time. That is, for this it is not necessary for any incident to be years old. At the same time, in a 2025 study, researchers studied the relationship between meditation and false memory. The findings suggested that how we pay attention to information may be related to the accuracy of later recall.
However, you also need to understand that our memory is not reliable. Rather, it is important to understand that memory is a complex process and that small errors are part of the human experience.
What precautions should you take regarding your memory?
You need to take some care about your memory. If you are unsure about a past event, it is better to say something like “I remember it,” “Maybe it happened,” “I’m not sure,” to avoid unnecessary arguments. And if you don’t remember something, don’t make it your firm memory by guessing.
When should one consult a doctor?
It is normal to occasionally misremember an event and it happens to all of us at one time or another. But if the memory problem is continuously increasing, it starts affecting daily tasks or you start forgetting important things again and again or start having trouble in recognizing familiar people and places, then it is better to consult a doctor. It is not right to draw conclusions about a disease on the basis of one or two wrong memories.
FAQ
Why does our brain create fake memories?
Our brain does not record like a camera. He reconstructs memories by combining emotions, hearsay, and new experiences while recalling old events.
Can things heard from others become our memories?
Yes, if the story of an incident is heard again and again, then the mind creates a picture of it and after some time that incident starts feeling like one’s own memory.
What is the difference between fake memory and dementia?
Fake memory is a normal psychological process that can occur in every healthy person, whereas in dementia the person starts forgetting important daily tasks and loved ones.
When should one consult a doctor in case of memory disturbances?
When the habit of forgetfulness starts affecting daily activities, there is difficulty in recognizing familiar people or the condition continues to worsen, then a doctor should be consulted.