Did we close the door when we left the house? Scientists have investigated why we don't remember them

For this reason, we are more likely to forget small, mundane matters, such as whether we locked the door when leaving the house.

To better understand how human memory works, graduate student Fernanda Morales Calva and assistant professor Stephanie Leal showed photos of 38 study participants. During the memory test, some pictures were shown twice, others only once.

Some of the images were very similar, while others were difficult to differentiate. The aim of displaying similar images was to disrupt memory by imitating mundane everyday experiences, such as closing a door.

The study found that images that are colorful or depict people or an organization are more memorable. Meanwhile, it was found that although participants remembered these types of images correctly, this effect disappeared after 24 hours. Especially when it comes to remembering positive experiences, suggesting that these experiences are initially unforgettable but are more likely to be forgotten.

Although emotions are typically thought to improve memory processing, people tend to remember the “gist” or central aspect of an experience rather than additional details. According to the researchers, the passage of time may intensify this effect.

When we try to figure out what we did last year, we can remember that we did many different things. However, only a few of these memories are likely to stand out in detail. We can remember going on vacation, but recreating daily activities will be more difficult.

The results of the study showed that emotional content, time since the experience, and cognitive features of memory play a major role in whether we remember details of the event or not.

“Our brains can't remember everything.”

“Previous research has shown that those experiences that are memorable for one person are likely to be memorable for another, such as birthday parties, the death of a loved one, and more. These are often positive or negative experiences. This knowledge has helped us.” Designing research studies on performance memory,” Leal explains in a press release.

“We often think that emotionally charged memories are remembered better, but in reality our memories involve trade-offs between substance and detail,” Morales-Calva added.

One of the reasons we don't remember everything we experience is the limited capacity of our brains.

“Our brains cannot remember everything we experience, so we have to forget information that is not important,” Leal explains. “This study helps us get closer to understanding why we remember what we remember.”

The full results of the study were published in the journal Neurobiology of Learning and Memory.

The text was published in the American edition of Newsweek magazine. Title, introduction and abbreviations from the Newsweek Polska editorial office.

Echo Richards

Echo Richards embodies a personality that is a delightful contradiction: a humble musicaholic who never brags about her expansive knowledge of both classic and contemporary tunes. Infuriatingly modest, one would never know from a mere conversation how deeply entrenched she is in the world of music. This passion seamlessly translates into her problem-solving skills, with Echo often drawing inspiration from melodies and rhythms. A voracious reader, she dives deep into literature, using stories to influence her own hardcore writing. Her spirited advocacy for alcohol isn’t about mere indulgence, but about celebrating life’s poignant moments.

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