Sometimes, your brain makes up parts of a memory. It’s like when you play with building blocks, if one piece is missing, your brain fills it in to make the picture complete. So even though something didn’t happen, your brain thinks it did.
Why does this happen?
Your brain uses clues from different times and places to create memories. If you hear a familiar name or see something that reminds you of another event, your brain might mix them together.
How can we tell the difference?
It’s hard, even scientists sometimes get confused! But if you remember an event in detail, it might be real. If it feels like a guess, it might be a made-up memory.
Examples
- You remember eating ice cream with your best friend, but they were actually sick that day and couldn’t go out.
- You think you saw a puppy at the park last week, but it was actually two weeks ago.
- You believe you went to your cousin’s birthday party, but she didn’t invite you.
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See also
- Why Do We Dream in Color?
- Why Do People Tell Jokes?
- Why Do People Often Believe in Conspiracy Theories?
- Why Do Some People Hear Music in Their Heads?
- Why Do We Yawn When We're Tired?
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Categories: Psychology · memory,false memories,cognitive psychology