Point 24: People Reconstruct Memories Each Time They Remember Them

Memories Change 

Memories are nerve pathways firing anew each time it is remembered which mean memories are reconstructed even time we think of them which can lead to the memory changing.  Later experiences can change memories that are related like a falling out with a friend can change how you remember memories from beforehand. Memory can also fill in gaps with things that didn't happen like say recalling your brother being at a certain event because "why wouldn't he have?"

Why your memories can't be trusted (Embed)

Caption: : A short video going into more detail about how memories change

Memories Can Be Manipulated 

In her research, Elizabeth Loftus found that eyewitnesses answered differently when questioned about a crash; even recalling things that didn't happen, all by changing the wording of their questions.  Another study done in 2008 showed that witnesses could remember clearer and more accurately if asked to close their eyes while remembering.  Memories can even be erased as research at Johns Hopkins in 2010 shows. 

Memory Machine (binary/octet-stream)

Caption: : In Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind; a business exists to erase memories

Takeaways

The words you use can have a large affect on what people remember    People usually cannot remember accurately what they or other did or said   Take what people say after the fact with a grain a salt.