
Big Brains
What Makes Something Memorable (or Forgettable?) with Wilma Bainbridge
Jun 13, 2024
University of Chicago psychologist Wilma Bainbridge discusses what makes things memorable, including the Mandela Effect. Her team created an AI tool, ResMem, to predict memorability in faces and artwork. They explore the impact of memorability on time perception and memories, with potential applications in education and healthcare.
26:33
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Quick takeaways
- The Mandela Effect challenges commonly held memories by revealing shared false memories, sparking psychological studies on memory inaccuracies.
- Memorability of images and faces is influenced by distinct features like emotions and threat perception, which AI tools can accurately predict, revolutionizing various fields.
Deep dives
The Mandela Effect and False Memories
Many individuals experience the Mandela Effect, a phenomenon where people collectively misremember specific details or events. For instance, thoughts on the Monopoly man wearing a monocle are widespread, although he does not. This effect challenges commonly held memories, leading researchers to analyze the reasons behind shared false memories through psychological studies, including memory experiments showing that individuals consistently exhibit the Mandela Effect, irrespective of image exposure or external influence.
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