Have you had a moment where you remember everything that happened to you as it were a photograph? It’s a pretty amazing feeling, right? Well, imagine having that ability as a part of you, all the time! People like Leonardo da Vinci, Nikola Tesla, Swami Vivekananda, and even the fictional character, Mike Ross from “Suits” possess a superpower we’ve all dreamed of having — Eidetic Memory, also known as Photographic Memory. But how exactly does it work?
What is Eidetic Memory?
Eidetic memory (/aɪˈdɛtɪk/ eye-DET-ik; also known as photographic memory and total recall) is the ability to recall an image from memory with high precision — at least for a brief period of time — after seeing it only once[1] and without using a mnemonic device.[2]
Eidetic memory is the ability to remember visual information with exceptional accuracy and detail for an extended period of time. Individuals having this type of memory can visualize images in their minds with remarkable clarity and recall with great accuracy, often in a photographic-like quality. Sometimes, this superpower can also extends its power not just to visual information, but they can remember sounds, smells, textures, and the environment itself.
How does Eidetic Memory Work?
While the complex mechanisms of eidetic memory aren’t fully understood, it is believed that people with photographic memory are able to recollect information with great accuracy after seeing them only once. There isn’t one definitive answer to how eidetic memory works, but as per research done yet, it’s believed that people with eidetic memory have larger visual cortex, which is responsible for processing visual information. It also depends on variety of different factors, including genetics, brain development and experiences.
“Children possess far more capacity for eidetic imagery than adults, suggesting that a developmental change (such as acquiring language skills) may disrupt the potential for eidetic imagery.”
Hence, Researchers and Scientists point to the fact that about 2–15 % of children have eidetic memory and it is found very rarely in adults.
Skepticism
While the existence of eidetic memory is widely questioned in the past, researchers and scientists were often skeptical of this ability. American cognitive scientist Marvin Minsky conducted research that found that photographic memory is an “unfounded myth”, which has no scientific consensus even regarding their proper definition, or even the existence of picture imagery.
Does it even exist?
As a professor of neurology and cognitive science once said, I quote
The intuitive notion of a “photographic” memory is that it is just like a photograph: you can retrieve it from your memory at will and examine it in detail, zooming in on different parts. But a true photographic memory in this sense has never been proved to exist.
He puts in forth, a representation on how having strong visual memory is something that humans mistake for having photographic memory. Also, he makes the point that no matter how strong your visual memory, it is not a guarantee of great memory across the board.
Although it is plausible that this ability is often thought of as afterimages that are exposed to stimulus, after an event. This results in the images lies in memory longer and accurate.
What’s its like to have a photographic memory?
On the one hand, eidetic memory can be a great asset.
Imagine being able to remember everything you see or hear? It would be like having a built-in cheat sheet for life! People with photographic memory are able to do just that! They can easily memorize facts and figures, providing information accurately. This gives them a major advantage in academic pursuits and in the workplace. They are also able to remember smaller details, which can be incredible helpful in a variety of different situations, making them a valuable asset to their community.
Sometimes, you can also use your superpower to the advantage by impressing others, with your ability to learn new things quickly. This obviously is a nerdy move, but can be a great way of exposing yourself to a new date at night.
On the other hand, eidetic memory can also be a curse.
While having this ability almost feels like a superpower, but don’t forget that there are some potential drawbacks of photographic memory. Since, you overload yourself with so much content with just seconds of a glance, people with photographic memory find it difficult to relax and forget information. This often leads to overthinking possibilities, which further causes exhaustion and anxiety.
Although having photographic memory can be beneficial in conversations, it is interesting to know that people with this ability often find socializing difficult. The fear of failure and an overload of information can often cause them to either not speak up or be unable to relax, which can lead to social isolation and loneliness.
Ultimately, whether or not eidetic memory is a superpower or a curse is a matter of personal opinion. Some people may find it to be a gift, while others may find it to be a burden.
Conclusion — Can you have it?
A superpower we would love the access to.
While the scientific researchers have debated on the whether or not photographic memory is even real. Some believe it is real, while others believe it’s a myth. And they needed definitive proof for both statements. Even if eidetic memory is possible, it is a very rare ability, which may be because of different genetical advantages that they possess.
Eidetic memory is sure fascinating, and more research is needed to prove if it’s a myth or real. In the meantime, humans can improve their visual memory by using mnemonic devices and memory exercises. But to have this power to yourself, is something still a mystery to scientists and the world.
References
- Eidetic Memory and School Age, G. Feiman (2018)
- “Behavioral and Brain Sciences — Abstract — Twenty years of haunting eidetic imagery: where’s the ghost?”, Haber, Ralph Norman (1979)
- Does photographic memory exist?, Scientific American (2013)
- Eidetic Memory & People claimed to have Eidetic Memory, Wikipedia
- Is photographic memory real? If so, how does it work?, Larry Squire (2013)
