False memories are memories that seem real but are not based in reality.
Most of the time, false memories aren’t a cause for concern.
And gist memory can help us make complex decisions and adapt to our surroundings.
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Also, a false memory in one situation doesn’t mean false memories will occur elsewhere.
How accurately something is remembered can depend on several factors.
This article covers false memories, how they occur, and when they are a concern.
Causes
There are many potential causes of false memories, which are outlined below.
Sleep Deprivation
Losing sleep or not having sleep at all could increase false memories.
Sleep deprivation can also raise the chance of memory distortions of facts that can be verified.
Interference
Interference is when memories change because of newer memories or information we gain over time.
Interference might be why people seem to lose some memories while continuing to gain new memories as they age.
Risk Factors
There are many risk factors for false memory, which are outlined below.
Traumatic Events and Repressed Memories
Traumacan increase memory distortions and can possibly suppress memories altogether.
Some of these memories can seem to emerge at a later time.
Natural Aging
We might be more likely to have false memories as we age.
Compulsive rituals to reduce anxiety or fear are also a part of the disorder.
People with OCD are more likely to be vulnerable to false memories because of their thoughts' overwhelming nature.
What Is False Memory Syndrome/Recovered Memory?
Summary
False memories are memories of events that don’t match reality.
Memories can also be repressed and appear later, and such memories can be false or true.
A Word From Verywell
There are a number of factors that play into how we remember things.
Keep open communication with your healthcare provider if an issue with memory arises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Memories change as we age and gather new memories.
Interference is the process by which new memories replace old memories or old memories interfere with new memories.
As we age, this can appear to be a memory deficit.
It can be difficult to verify whether a memory is true or false without witnesses.
On the other hand, each witness to an event could have a different experience.
Therapy might also help with exploring and recalling old memories.
In a 2021 study, researchers suggested two false personal memories to participants.
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