Memory Reconstruction
Memory reconstruction is the process by which our brains retrieve and rebuild memories from stored information. Unlike a video recording, memories are not exact replicas of past events; instead, they are influenced by our emotions, beliefs, and experiences. This means that when we recall a memory, we may inadvertently alter it, adding or omitting details.
Factors such as suggestion, misinformation, and context can significantly impact how we reconstruct memories. For example, when people discuss an event, their conversations can introduce new information that changes their recollection. This phenomenon highlights the malleable nature of memory and its susceptibility to distortion.