The Science of Forgetting and the Impact on Pandemic Memories

The Science of Forgetting and the Impact on Pandemic Memories

Introduction:

As human beings, we have a natural tendency to forget. Our brains are wired to default to forgetting, according to Norman Brown, a cognitive psychology professor at the University of Alberta. This has significant implications for our memories, including those related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, we will explore the science of forgetting and its effect on our ability to remember the pandemic.

The Three Phases of Memory:

Memory can be broken down into three interrelated phases: encoding, consolidation, and retrieval. When we encounter new information, our brains encode it by making changes in neurons in memory centers like the hippocampus and amygdala. These changes create a physical memory trace known as an engram. However, much of this information is lost unless it goes through the process of consolidation, which often occurs during sleep. During consolidation, memories become more stable and long-term.

The Role of the Hippocampus:

One theory suggests that the hippocampus stores an index of where memory neurons are located for retrieval, similar to how a search engine like Google works. When we retrieve memories, the neurons associated with those memories are reactivated in both the hippocampus and the cortex. Our memories are often centered around our life stories and the events that had the most personal impact on us.

The Challenge of Remembering Salient Events:

Even for highly salient emotional and life-threatening events like the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be challenging to remember everything. The more events we experience, the more difficult it becomes to capture all of them in our memories. New memories, formed by simply living our lives, can interfere with the recall of older events. Additionally, when events are uniform, they are harder to recall as our brains tend to group them together as one event.

The Future-Oriented Positivity Bias:

As a society, many people do not want to hold onto their memories of the pandemic. This is because we tend to view the future more positively than the past. The future can be imagined in various ways, while the past is fixed. When we remember the past, we do so in the present, influenced by our current emotions, knowledge, and attitudes. This bias towards the future may impact how we reflect on the pandemic and approach the future.

Preserving Memories in History:

In order for our autobiographical memories to become a part of history, they must be preserved and documented. This is typically done through cultural artifacts like books, movies, statues, and museums. However, without these artifacts, memories can fade and be forgotten within a few generations. The same may happen to the memories of the COVID-19 pandemic if they are not actively preserved.

Actionable Advice:

1. Journaling: One way to preserve your personal memories of the pandemic is to journal regularly. Write about your experiences, thoughts, and emotions during this time. By documenting your experiences, you can ensure that they are not lost to the passage of time.

2. Conversations and Oral Histories: Share your stories with others and engage in conversations about the pandemic. Oral histories can be a powerful way to preserve memories and pass them down to future generations. Encourage your loved ones to do the same.

3. Community Initiatives: Support community initiatives aimed at preserving pandemic memories. This could include local museums, historical societies, or online platforms that collect and curate personal stories and experiences.

Conclusion:

The science of forgetting reminds us that our memories are fragile and easily lost over time. This has significant implications for our ability to remember the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. By understanding the processes of memory encoding, consolidation, and retrieval, we can take proactive steps to preserve our personal experiences and contribute to the collective memory of this historic event. Through journaling, conversations, and community initiatives, we can ensure that the memories of the pandemic are not consigned to the dustbin of history.