The Seven Flaws of Normal Memory

5 min readDec 6, 2023

A s I continue this series on the complexities and wonders of memory, I realize how deeply it shapes my life yet has undeniable flaws. I cannot imagine life without the ability to relive treasured moments, acquire new skills, or share stories from my past. At the same time, I routinely walk into rooms needing clarification on why I entered, misplace items in illogical spots, and completely blank on names of acquaintances.

While exasperating, these lapses highlight fundamental quirks in human memory. We all forget pertinent details that once seemed unforgettable. We inadvertently morph sources of cherished recollections. We readily incorporate misleading cues that distort reality.

Moreover, biases shape what we encode and recall, blindsiding our objectivity. New learning burdens our storage and retrieval, causing interference. Traumatic memories vanish through unchecked repression. And the sheer passage of time relentlessly decays precision without deliberate upkeep through rehearsal.

Rather than faulting our memories, these insights teach humility and compassion for the mistakes of others and ourselves. We forge patience to gently prod dormant memories and verify accuracy. Cues create reminders and repetition to outmaneuver tendencies for fading over time. Though imperfect, our memory connects us to the fabric of our identity and rich moments of purpose and belonging. I choose to accept its limitations while nurturing its gifts lovingly.

I take solace in knowing my experiences are universal, as research reveals seven primary weaknesses.

1. Forgetting

Forgetting is one of the most common flaws of normal memory. It is the inability to retrieve information once stored in our memory. While some forgetting is normal and even necessary, as it allows us to prioritize and retain important information, it can also be frustrating and problematic when we need to remember something important.

2. Misattribution

Misattribution is the process of confusing the source of a memory. This can occur when we recall an event but misattribute the details or the person involved. For example, we may remember a conversation with a friend but incorrectly recall that it occurred on a different day or location.

3. Suggestibility

Suggestibility occurs when external factors influence our memories. This can happen when we are exposed to leading questions or misleading information that can alter our recollection of an event. This is particularly problematic in legal cases where the questioning process can influence eyewitness testimony.

4. Bias

Bias is a memory flaw that occurs when our prior beliefs or attitudes influence how we remember an event. This can lead to a distorted or inaccurate recollection of what happened. For example, if we have a negative attitude towards someone, we may be more likely to remember negative events that involve that person.

5. Interference

Interference is a memory flaw that occurs when new information interferes with our ability to remember old information. This can happen when trying to learn new things while retaining old information. For example, suppose we are trying to learn a new language while still using our native language. In that case, the two languages can interfere with each other, making it harder to remember words and phrases in both languages.

6. Repression

Repression is a controversial flaw in memory that occurs when we suppress traumatic memories. While this may be a necessary coping mechanism in some cases, it can also lead to completely forgetting important events that may need to be addressed in therapy or legal situations.

7. Memory Distortion

Memory distortion is when our memories become inaccurate or distorted over time. This can happen for various reasons, including the influence of external factors, the passage of time, or the limitations of our cognitive processes. Memory distortion can create false memories or alter existing memories, leading us to remember events or details that did not occur or were different from what happened. This can be particularly problematic when we try to remember important details of an event, such as eyewitness testimony.

Reflecting, I realize memory’s flaws are a feature, not a bug. Its glitches humble me, deepen my compassion for others and reveal our shared humanity. Still, my memory amazes me every day. This gift lets me revisit times that filled my heart to overflow, carve new synaptic trails as I grow, and share my journey to feel known.

Sure, it may fail me when names vanish as quickly as intentions for walking into rooms. Yet it springs back to life with reminders crafted as trumpet calls echoing from soul to soul. Before harshly judging memory’s lapses, I embrace memory’s flaws with patience and wonder, focusing less on what is forgotten and more on memory’s incredible capacity to crystallize meaning, relationships, and purpose over a lifetime of precious moments I am blessed to re-remember.

About David L. Priede

As a science, technology, and research professional, I am committed to catalyzing progress and fostering innovation. A multifaceted background, encompassing experiences in business, technology, healthcare, and education domains, has enriched my career journey. Leveraging this breadth of expertise, I’ve consistently sought to challenge conventional boundaries and pioneer transformative solutions that address pressing challenges in these interconnected fields.