Reading questions for this article:
1. How does the brain's ability to forget specific details while retaining the bigger picture contribute to adaptability?
2. In today’s computers-at-our-fingertips society, what type of information does the article suggest our brains no longer need to store?
The study challenges the notion that a perfect memory is essential for intelligence. Forgetting things is not a weakness but rather a sign of intelligence. According to the researchers, the main purpose of memory is to enhance intelligent decision-making by retaining important information while letting go of irrelevant details.
Researchers Paul Frankland and Blake Richards from the University of Toronto, suggests that forgetting things is not only normal but can actually make us smarter. The researchers propose that the primary goal of memory is not to retain the most accurate information over time, but rather to enhance intelligent decision-making by holding onto important information and letting go of irrelevant details.
This constant swapping of old memories for new ones can have real evolutionary benefits. For example, it can allow us to adapt to new situations by letting go of outdated and potentially misleading information. If you’re trying to navigate the world and your brain is constantly bringing up conflicting memories, that makes it harder for you to make an informed decision.
The article suggests that, in today's information-rich society, our brains don't need to store certain types of information, such as phone numbers and easily searchable facts, thanks to the availability of technology like smartphones and search engines. This frees up our brain's capacity to focus on storing memories that are more relevant and meaningful for decision-making.
So what does that mean for those of us who frequently forget things we just read, people we just met, and where we put our keys? For one, we should stop being so hard on ourselves
Do you want to have a perfect memory?
Do you think having total recall is totally overrated?