Cognitive biases can affect our memories from "summary" of Moonwalking with Einstein by Joshua Foer
Our memories are not exact replicas of the events we experience. They are reconstructions, pieced together from bits of information stored in our brains. And just like any other mental process, our memories are susceptible to cognitive biases. Cognitive biases are errors in thinking that can lead to distorted memories. For example, the confirmation bias causes us to remember information that confirms our preexisting beliefs, while ignoring evidence that contradicts them. This can result in a skewed version of events stored in our memories. Another cognitive bias that can affect our memories is the availability heuristic, which causes us to rely on information that is readily available in our minds. This means that events that are more recent, vivid, or emotionally charged are more likely to be remembered, while mundane or less salient events may be forgotten. The framing effect is another cognitive bias that can impact our memories. This bias occurs when the way information is presented influences how we remember it. For example, if an event is framed in a positive light, we may remember it more favorably than if it were framed negatively. Additionally, the misinformation effect demonstrates how external information can distort our memories. This occurs when we are exposed to misleading information after an event, which can alter our memories of that event. Our brains may incorporate this new information into our memories, leading to inaccuracies.- Cognitive biases can have a significant impact on the accuracy of our memories. By understanding how these biases work, we can become more aware of the ways in which our memories may be influenced and take steps to mitigate their effects.
