The human memory is one of the most fascinating and unpredictable tools of our brain. It allows us to remember faces, events, and feelings, but it can also let us down: we forget important dates, mix up names, or struggle to recall the plot of a book we read just a week ago. Why does this happen? Why do some situations seem to repeat themselves? Let's explore this together with scientists.
Why do we forget so quickly?
Forgetting is a natural part of how the brain operates. It helps us avoid being overwhelmed by unnecessary information, preserving resources for something more significant. In the 19th century, German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus was the first to study the phenomenon of forgetting and created the famous forgetting curve. According to his findings, within the first hour after memorization, we lose 60% of the information, 65% within 10 hours, and a staggering 80% of new information after 6 days if it is not repeated or reinforced through practice.
Modern research indicates that memory sorts data by its significance. For example, emotionally charged events are better remembered due to the activation of the amygdala—a part of the brain responsible for emotions. However, information that seems entertaining, such as a watched movie or a read book, is often not perceived as necessary for long-term storage.
Why do we quickly forget books, series, and movies?
People often complain that they forget the plot of a recently read book or watched movie almost immediately. This is due to several factors:
1. Lack of active engagement. Reading or watching is primarily a passive process. It is harder for the brain to remember information that it does not actively "process." If we do not discuss what we have read or relate it to our experiences, the information easily fades away.
2. Information overload. In the era of streaming platforms and constant information flow, our brains are subjected to overload. New books and series push out old memories, as our working memory capacity is limited.
3. Superficial perception. Our brain views movies and series as entertainment rather than important information that needs to be remembered. Without reinforcement, details quickly fade.
This "ephemeral" nature of memory is often compared to Dory from the animated film "Finding Nemo." Dory suffers from short-term memory loss and forgets events almost immediately. This expression has become an ironic description of our ability to quickly forget what seemed significant at the moment.
Why do some situations seem repetitive?
The phenomenon of "déjà vu"—the feeling that the current situation has happened before—has been studied by many scientists. For instance, psychologist Anna Cleary found that déjà vu may be related to partial memory overlap. When a new event shares common features with past experiences (such as a location or the structure of a dialogue), the brain perceives it as familiar.
An interesting experiment was conducted by American researcher Suzanne Sparrow: she showed participants slightly altered images of well-known places. People confidently asserted that they had seen them before, even when it was impossible. This demonstrates that déjà vu is linked to errors in our memory, which strives for resource efficiency and often makes "quick conclusions."
What experiments have been conducted?
1. Hermann Ebbinghaus and the forgetting curve. He proved that our memory rapidly loses information, especially if it is not repeated.
2. Experiments on false memories. Elizabeth Loftus, an American psychologist, showed how easily the brain "fills in the gaps." In her studies, participants confidently recalled events that never occurred if they were persuaded otherwise.
3. The brain and emotions. Experiments by Canadian neurobiologist Penny Lewis demonstrated that during sleep, the brain processes memories, removing less significant information. Therefore, books and films without a strong emotional response are "erased" more quickly.
Can memory be improved?
Although forgetting is a natural process, there are methods to enhance memory:
Repetition. Retelling a book or discussing a movie with friends can help reinforce information.
Linking to personal experience. Associations and emotional connections help make memories more durable.
Mindful consumption. Try to choose less but of higher quality to avoid overwhelming the brain.
Human memory is not a hard drive but a living mechanism that dynamically operates based on significance and emotions. We forget because the brain conserves resources for what truly matters. Phenomena like déjà vu or "Dory's memory" are merely reminders of how complex and interesting our minds are.
Don't be afraid to forget—it's natural. The important thing is that significant memories always remain with us.