Short Wave

'Stealing The Past': A Spat Between Twins Leads To A Theory Of Disputed Memories

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May 6, 2024
Gabriel Spitzer, a former NPR Science Desk reporter, joins researcher Mercedes Sheen to dive into the fascinating world of disputed memories among siblings. They explore how siblings, especially identical twins, can argue over shared memories, like a first kiss, revealing the intricacies of memory ownership. The discussion delves into how our recollections often serve personal narratives and identity, raising questions about memory reliability and the broader implications for eyewitness accounts. Tune in for an insightful look at the tangled nature of memory!
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ANECDOTE

Twin Kiss Dispute

  • Mercedes Sheen and her twin sister, Makala, have conflicting memories of their first kiss.
  • Both vividly remember the event, yet it could only have happened to one of them.
INSIGHT

Disputed Memories

  • Disputed memories are a newly recognized false memory phenomenon.
  • They often arise in identical twins, causing confusion about shared past experiences.
ANECDOTE

First Kiss Details

  • Mercedes and Makala's disputed first kiss involved a boy named Jeff Lovett at summer camp.
  • Six months later, Makala claimed the memory as her own, leading to an ongoing disagreement.
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