Baggage Check: Lost on Memory Lane
On Wednesdays, Dr. Andrea Bonior dives into the world of psychology.
DUE TO SOME TAXING EVENTS in my personal life, I've been particularly forgetful and absent-minded lately. Now, this isn't the end of the world — though brushing one's teeth with deodorant is not as fun as it seems — but it does make me ponder the very nature of our memories and how they shape our identities and experiences.
If I remember to turn this column in, you'll see that what I wanted to talk about was how our perceptions of reality — and our recollections of those perceptions — help determine who we are.
If I can't look back and salivate about the spectacular dinner I had last night, does the meal lose value? If I could swear some hilarious event happened during "Red Rover" that really didn't, which matters more, the truth or my perception?
Many studies have shown that memories from our childhood are strongest for the events that we've repeatedly seen photographs of, and in fact, false memories can easily be implanted this way. In this new age of constant digital documentation, with plenty of liberties allowed by Photoshop, a kid can easily appear to be spelunking from the Eiffel Tower without ever having left his room in Idaho.
It makes one think that the nostalgic conversations around nursing homes circa 2087 will be very lively indeed.
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Addison Road
I used to lament the fact that throughout much of my 20's, I NEVER took photographs- nor did any of my friends for that matter.
But my 20's were spent largely drinking, drugging, and being completely irresponsible in every way- so maybe the LACK of photographic evidence is a good thing, and when I'm old I'll more likely remember my now wonderful (and photo-filled) years in my 30's and beyond!
By BenC , Posted June 6, 2007 2:44 PM