False memories are recollections of events that either did not happen or are distorted versions of actual events. They can occur when people misremember details or when their memories are influenced by suggestions from others, media, or their own imagination. This phenomenon highlights the malleability of human memory, showing that it is not always a reliable record of past experiences. Research in psychology has demonstrated that false memories can be created through various techniques, such as leading questions or the misinformation effect. These memories can feel just as real as true memories, leading individuals to confidently recall events that never occurred, which raises important questions about the accuracy of eyewitness testimony in legal settings.