The Science of Forgetting: Why Our Pandemic Memories Are Fading Away

The Science of Forgetting: Why Our Pandemic Memories Are Fading Away

The human brain is a complex organ that constantly processes and stores information. However, despite our best efforts, our memories often fade away over time. According to Norman Brown, a cognitive psychology professor at the University of Alberta, the default setting of our brains is forgetting. This begs the question: why are we already losing our memories of the pandemic?

To understand why our memories fade, we need to delve into the science behind memory. Our brains have three interconnected phases for memory: encoding, consolidation, and retrieval. When we encounter new information, our brains encode it by making changes in neurons, particularly in the hippocampus, which is a crucial memory center. These changes create a physical memory trace, also known as an engram.

However, not all encoded information is stored for the long term. Memory consolidation, which often occurs during sleep, is necessary for stabilizing and preserving memories. Without consolidation, many memories are lost. One theory suggests that the hippocampus stores an index of where these memory neurons are located, similar to how Google search organizes information.

During memory retrieval, the neurons associated with the memory trace in the hippocampus and cortex are reactivated, allowing us to recall past events. Interestingly, our memories are primarily centered around our life stories and the events that affected us personally. Even for highly emotional or life-threatening events, it becomes increasingly challenging to capture and retain all the details as more memories accumulate over time.

The introduction of new memories through the experiences of everyday life further complicates the recall of older events. New events are often more salient and easier to remember because we tend to talk about them and rehearse them in our minds. In contrast, when events are uniform and lack distinctiveness, they become harder to recall. Our memories tend to merge these similar events into one, resulting in unclear recollections.

As a society, many people may not want to hold onto their memories of the pandemic. Psychologist Suparna Rajaram suggests that people generally view the future more positively than the past. This future-oriented positivity bias arises because we can imagine multiple possibilities for the future, whereas the past is fixed. When we remember the past, we do so in the present, influenced by our current emotions, knowledge, and attitudes.

These tendencies have direct implications for how we reflect on the pandemic and approach the future. In order for our autobiographical memories to be deeply ingrained in history, society needs to undergo significant transformations. Just as parents pass on their knowledge and family history to their children, cultural artifacts like books, movies, statues, and museums play a crucial role in preserving collective memories. Without these cultural artifacts, memories of the pandemic may be consigned to the dustbin of history, gradually fading away with time.

While it may seem disheartening to think that our memories of the pandemic could be lost, there are actions we can take to preserve and cherish these recollections. Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Document your experiences: Keep a journal or create a digital record of your thoughts, feelings, and experiences during the pandemic. By writing down your memories, you can ensure that they are preserved for future generations to understand the impact of this global event.

2. Engage in collective memory preservation: Support initiatives that aim to document and preserve the memories of the pandemic. This could involve participating in oral history projects, contributing to community archives, or sharing your experiences through platforms like social media or personal blogs.

3. Embrace cultural artifacts: Appreciate the power of books, movies, art, and other cultural expressions in capturing and conveying the essence of a particular time period. By engaging with these artifacts, you can help ensure that the memories of the pandemic endure and remain accessible to future generations.

In conclusion, the science of forgetting reveals that our memories are inherently prone to fade over time. The pandemic, with its unique challenges and global impact, is no exception. However, by understanding the processes behind memory formation, we can take steps to preserve and honor our pandemic memories. Through personal documentation, collective memory preservation, and embracing cultural artifacts, we can contribute to a lasting legacy that ensures the significance of this period in history is not lost to time.