False Memories

When we remember what did not happen, we are having a false memory. Is this lying, exaggeration, or something else? Could it even be a coping device?
Trauma often creates a perceived need to substitute memories that help victims to cope with an unbearable reality. Over time this fantasy memory becomes not just a substitute for an unhealthy memory but a useful coping strategy. Eventually, fantasy may even, at least at a conscious level, allow the trauma to be forgotten. Obviously, because trauma is embedded in the subconscious, it may still be remembered when situations connected to the trauma are triggered.
A false memory could even become planted by accident. False memories of sexual abuse are known to happen sometimes through the power of suggestion by a therapist. A lack of trust, anger, or resentment of other family members could trigger someone in their stress and confusion to believe they were abused. This is called False Memory Syndrome (FMS). Which begs the question: “when we believe something is that a lie”?
Faulty eyewitness testimony is another potential result of false memories. Hindsight bias creates the illusion of accuracy because we know the outcome. When we know the outcome of an incident that awareness creates a biased opinion of what really happened. Eyewitness testimony is refuted most of the time based on this type of bias.

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