The Science of Forgetting and the Fragility of Pandemic Memories: Why We're Losing Our Grip on the Past

The Science of Forgetting and the Fragility of Pandemic Memories: Why We're Losing Our Grip on the Past

In a world filled with constant information overload, it's no surprise that forgetting is the default mode of our brains. According to Norman Brown, a cognitive psychology professor, "everybody forgets everything all the time." Forgetting is an inherent part of our memory process, which consists of three interrelated phases: encoding, consolidation, and retrieval.

When we encounter new information, our brains encode it by making changes in neurons, particularly in the hippocampus, a vital memory center. These changes create a physical memory trace called an engram. However, most of this information is lost unless it is consolidated during sleep, making memories more stable and long-term. It is believed that the hippocampus stores an index of where these cortical memory neurons are for easy retrieval, similar to how Google search works.

Our memories are intricately tied to our life stories and the events that impact us personally. Yet, even for salient emotional events or life-threatening situations, the more memories we accumulate, the more difficult it becomes to capture and retain them all. The influx of new memories interferes with our recollection of older events. New events, being more salient, tend to be remembered more vividly because we talk about them and rehearse them repeatedly.

Interestingly, memories of uniform events are harder to recall. As one researcher explains, "the memory sort of puts it together as almost one event." This phenomenon suggests that specific years, such as those marked by a pandemic, may be remembered with a sense of haziness and uncertainty.

As a society, many people are reluctant to hold onto their memories of the COVID-19 pandemic. This reluctance stems from a future-oriented positivity bias, where people 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. These factors shape how we look back on the pandemic and how we navigate the future.

To truly anchor our autobiographical memories into history, they must be preserved and passed down through generations. However, without cultural artifacts like books, movies, statues, and museums, memories of the pandemic may fade away, consigned to the entropic dustbin of history.

In 2015, a study on global trust in advertising revealed that the most credible form of advertising comes from the people we know and trust. Friends and family recommendations were trusted by 83% of respondents, while 66% trusted consumer opinions posted online. This highlights the power of personal connections and the influence they have on our beliefs and choices.

Combining these two seemingly disparate topics, we can draw parallels between the fragility of memories and the impact of trusted recommendations. Just as memories can fade and be forgotten, advertising messages can lose their impact over time. The trust we place in recommendations from friends and family demonstrates the power of personal connections, which can withstand the test of time.

So, how can we preserve our memories and ensure the longevity of important messages? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Document and share your experiences: Whether it's through writing, photography, or other forms of creative expression, document your experiences during significant events like a pandemic. Share these memories with others, both in your immediate circle and the wider world. By doing so, you contribute to the collective memory and ensure that your experiences are not lost to time.

2. Seek diverse perspectives: Engage with a variety of sources and viewpoints to gain a more comprehensive understanding of events. By exposing ourselves to diverse narratives, we can challenge our own biases and broaden our perspectives. This not only enriches our personal memories but also contributes to a more inclusive and accurate historical record.

3. Support cultural preservation: Recognize the importance of cultural artifacts in preserving memories and narratives. Advocate for the preservation of books, movies, artworks, and other mediums that capture the essence of significant events. By supporting cultural preservation efforts, we ensure that future generations have access to a comprehensive record of history.

In conclusion, the science of forgetting reminds us that memories are fragile and easily lost. The COVID-19 pandemic, with its unique challenges and impact, is at risk of being forgotten unless we take proactive steps to preserve our experiences. By documenting, sharing, seeking diverse perspectives, and supporting cultural preservation, we can safeguard our memories and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of history.