What is false memory syndrome?

Do you really know?
Sep 3, 2025 5 min
What is false memory syndrome?
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About this episode

Have you ever been sure about a memory only to be told you’ve got it wrong? It’s a common experience: you confidently recall a detail from the past, only for someone to insist it didn’t happen that way. Or maybe you’re convinced you saw something with your own eyes when in reality, you only heard about it repeatedly. These are examples of false memories. They don’t mean you’re lying; in fact, you probably have no idea the memory’s been altered. Why does our brain reshape memories in the first place? Does that mean memory-recovery techniques aren’t always reliable? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why do children have imaginary friends? What are umbrella species? Why do we get travel sick? A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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