The Science of Forgetting: Why We're Already Losing Our Pandemic Memories and the Future of Building and Sharing Knowledge

The Science of Forgetting: Why We're Already Losing Our Pandemic Memories and the Future of Building and Sharing Knowledge

Memory is a complex process that involves various stages, including encoding, consolidation, and retrieval. When we encounter new information, our brains encode it with changes in neurons in the hippocampus and other important memory centers. These changes create a physical memory trace known as an engram. However, much of this information is lost unless it is stored during memory consolidation, which often occurs during sleep.

One theory suggests that the hippocampus stores an index of where these cortical memory neurons are located for easy retrieval, similar to how Google search works. During memory retrieval, the memory trace neurons in the hippocampus and cortex are reactivated, allowing us to recall past events and experiences. However, the default state of our brain is forgetting. It is a constant battle to retain and recall memories.

Our memories are often centered around our life stories and the events that have had a personal impact on us. However, even for salient emotional and life-threatening events, it becomes increasingly challenging to capture and retain all of them. As we live more life and encounter new experiences, new memories interfere with older ones. New events are more salient and easier to remember because we are more likely to discuss and rehearse them, reinforcing their memory.

Furthermore, memories of uniform events are harder to recall as our brains tend to merge them into one event. This phenomenon contributes to the haziness and uncertainty of our memories from specific periods, such as the years of the pandemic. As a society, many individuals may not want to hold onto their COVID-19 memories due to a future-oriented positivity bias. We tend to view the future more positively than the past because the future can be imagined in various ways, while the past is fixed.

The implications of our forgetting and selective memory extend beyond personal recollections. While parents pass down their knowledge and family history to their offspring, these communicative memories only last for two or three generations. Without cultural artifacts like books, movies, statues, and museums, memories of the COVID-19 pandemic may also fade away, consigned to the entropic dustbin of history.

However, there is hope for preserving and sharing knowledge in a more effective and accessible manner. Enter Scrintal, a platform that aims to revolutionize the future of knowledge building and sharing. The creators of Scrintal recognize that building knowledge is a time-consuming and exhaustive process, and our current methods of sharing knowledge are outdated.

Traditionally, knowledge has been created behind closed doors, only shared when it is considered finished. We often only see the end result, missing out on the steps and processes behind it. Scrintal seeks to change this by providing an easy system to organize, connect, and share knowledge in a visual way. The platform aims to make the internet a place for connected, accessible, and open knowledge, resembling the collective mind of humanity.

Incorporating the principles of Scrintal into our daily lives can also help us retain and recall memories more effectively. By organizing our knowledge and experiences visually, we create a structure that aids memory consolidation. When we can see the connections between different pieces of information, it becomes easier to recall them when needed.

Additionally, actively sharing our knowledge and experiences with others can reinforce our memories. The act of explaining and teaching others not only helps solidify our own understanding but also creates a collective memory that can be passed down to future generations. By making knowledge sharing an ongoing and collaborative process, we can ensure the longevity and accessibility of important memories.

In conclusion, forgetting is a natural and default state of our brains. Our memories are constantly changing and evolving, influenced by new experiences and the salience of events. However, it is essential to preserve and share important memories, especially those of significant historical events like the COVID-19 pandemic. Platforms like Scrintal offer a promising solution to the challenges of knowledge building and sharing, making it easier for us to retain and access information. By incorporating actionable practices such as organizing knowledge visually and actively sharing with others, we can enhance our memory retention and contribute to the collective knowledge of humanity.