I Remember It Like It Was Just Yesterday: Flashbulb Memories. A guest post by Tabitha Candido.

          Throughout today’s lecture, flashbulb memories were the most interesting to me. Flashbulb memories are highly detailed, vivid “snapshots” of an event. Flashbulb memories are a type of autobiographical memory. Flashbulb memories usually come about and stick in someone’s mind because of personal importance, emotions, or shock factor (surprising events).

            An example of a flashbulb memory would be like the memory of 9/11. Many people think they remember what they were doing that day, where they were, and who was with them. Most people believe that they remember every specific detail about that day and what happened, but the truth is most of the time they don’t.

            Every time you recall any memory, it is not better than any other kind of memory. Flashbulb memories, even though they seem more vivid in your mind, really are not. 

            When you recall something, you think you remember it more and more but you truly do not. Every single one of those times you actually remember it a little differently and restore it the way you have just recalled it, to be changed once more another day. Flashbulb memories can also be influenced by TV footage of an event.

            Taking into account 9/11, many of us are asked if we remember this event, especially in school. I have been asked in school if I remember where I was and what I was doing that day and even whom was around me. As I was so young when this happened, I do not remember that much of it. All I really remember is that I was in elementary school, in math class specifically, and I remember the announcements going on the loudspeaker asking teachers to all go to the principal’s office if they were able to.

            After my teacher (Ms.Machado) came back into class she told us what was happening and told us we were going to get early dismissal that day because of this.

I remember my mom actually calling the school to talk to me to ask if I was ok and told me my aunt was going to be the one picking me up from school that day.

            Even though I remember these little snippets of what happened that day I feel now, after learning about flashbulb memories, that my memory from that day is not as accurate as I think I actually remember it. Thinking about this day now and trying to remember what I can actually, vividly remember is not as much as I actually tell people when asked about this day. All I truly remember is being told what happened and seeing my teacher cry.

As you can see, flashbulb memories are not always 100% correct or remembered in their entirety, but they usually demonstrate the emotional part of the memory and explain why people have these memories for so long. Just remember, even though you might believe you remember something very vividly, you might be very wrong.