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| "The Balloon" by Pierre Puvis de Chavannes (1874) |
If scientists could implant a false memory in your mind, what kind of memory would you choose?
Can you imagine a scenario in which implanting false memories in a patient might serve a useful medical purpose?
What would be the biggest danger in having a false memory implanted in someone's mind?
If I could have a false memory implanted in my mind, like most people, I would choose a happy one. Preferably one about a family member that has already died, such as my great-grandpa. It would be one where we were both enjoying ourselves, such as a fun fishing trip or learning how to make something together. This way I would have one more fond memory of someone I was too young when they died to have many memories of my own.
ReplyDeleteIt might be useful to plant a false memory in someone’s brain if they have been through a traumatic event or like the previous scenario are missing a lost love one. The biggest danger in implanting a false memory into someone’s brain would probably be the fact they would not be able to differentiate the true past from the implanted past. Although it would be nice to be able to cover up a traumatic event with a happy one in our minds, it is often the tragic and difficult events that I believe mold us into the individuals we are. If every memory we had was peaceful it would be hard for us to grow and become mature individuals.
Kathryn Keiffer
Memories are nice to have and help you with learning lessons and are fun to look back on. However, are they really necessary enough to have one implanted? I personally do not think so. I understand life would be impossible to live without a memory, but I do not see a reason to implant one into your mind. Unless that memory was of a specific reading out of a medical textbook implanted into the mind of a surgeon to keep him on top of his game. That could be helpful to those in certain situations.
ReplyDeleteMorgan Hicks
I think if I had to have a memory implanted into my mind, it would be skydiving. I do not think I am ever going to do this in my lifetime, I am too scared!
ReplyDeleteThe only benefit I can see in putting a memory into someone's mind is if it helps them get past a psychologically haunting event. Maybe a child went through their parent passing away and their last memory of their parent was not a positive one. Maybe the parent was unhappy or upset, and the child thought it was something they had done, when it truly was not certain what had been bothering their parent. A memory of the child seeing the parent shake their head at some bills in the mail or talking on the phone with a colleague could be implanted into their minds so the child would know it had nothing to do with them.
I guess implanting memories into your mind could also have drawbacks because it is not an actual event. This could mess with people's view of reality and cause confusion. So in all, I believe that memories should only be implanted if it helps someone rather than for fun or just to do it.
Chelsi Norris
The first thing I thought of when I read this question is George Orwell. (I’m not sure what that says about me), nonetheless, the thought of anyone ever implanting a false memory into me, especially something Big Brother-esque, gives me the heebie- jeebies. If I had to have a memory implanted, like everyone else, I would certainly want it to be a positive one, something stereotypically mushy and romantic or super exciting and adventurous, or both. Driving down the Autobahn, shot gunning in a Ferrari alongside a shirtless Ryan Gosling, for example, would be a satisfying memory. I also wouldn’t mind putting a twist on Chelsi’s dream memory; I’d go skydiving too, if Mr. Gosling went.
ReplyDeleteOn a more serious note, I can see how implanting a false memory in the mind of a victim of a violent crime could be psychologically advantageous, and so could removing the memory of the crime altogether. I think everyone has memories they’d rather not recall, my entire awkward eighth grade year would be great to forget. I think, and I feel that Mlodinow would agree, that as painful and cringe-worthy as memories can be, they do serve important purposes. Without memories we would never learn, I’m glad I only had to stick my hand on a flat iron once to learn that it isn't conducive to nerve function or skin. If I didn't have that memory I wouldn't have as functional digits. And as sad as the memory of losing my grandfather is, it forces me to realize that no one is immortal, and I am now able to appreciate and invest in those around me, while they are here. The biggest danger we face when messing with memories is without them, we stop learning and growing, and when growth in an organism ceases, it usually dies.
-Kristina Mayfield
The fact that scientists have the capability to change our memories is, quite honestly, slightly terrifying. The first thing that came to mind (ha ha) with this question happened to be the Matrix. Everyone's memory is altered to believe a past that is entirely false down to the last detail in order to serve the computer's needs. I suppose in some cases changing people's memories could be helpful, such as curing people of paralyzing fears from their childhood or a debilitating mental illness. However, as a whole, I still think it's a bad idea.
ReplyDeleteIf I had to have a memory implanted, I would choose to believe that I had ridden a roller coaster. I had one bad experience on one of the kiddie ones at the fair, (the breaks apparently stopped working, and not only would it not stop, it continued to speed up until the power was cut) so I’m terrified to ride a regular one. My friends have gotten close to convincing me a few times, but I always chicken out. I think that if I believed I had ridden one in the past, I’d be more willing to do it now; therefore not being labeled the chicken every time I go to an amusement park.
Upon trusting a scientist to even mess with my mind and plant a false memory, I would hope for a rather joyful memory. Since I am only eighteen years old, I suppose in order for it to be a 'memory' it would have to be a part of my past; therefore, my childhood. A memory full of happiness, plenty of excitement, and tons to hold on to for the rest of my life would be ideal.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the concept in general, I believe it could be very useful as long as the scientists using it did not get any "clever ideas" as to do anything more than what they were assigned to do. For example, I think the implanting of false memories could help patients in cases involving a traumatic childhood or even possibly depression and other mental illnesses. However, as I already mentioned, the possible dangers such as being given the wrong memory or maybe even side effects such as losing or distorting preexisting memories would make it a procedure that would call for sufficient decision-making time beforehand. All in all, unless false memories were the very last resort for a certain situation being faced, I do not think running the risk would be worth it.
If I had a choice in what memory I was given, I would choose to have one of my grandparents on my mother's side. I had my grandpa for a little while in my life that I can remember but those memories are hazy at best. I never met my grandma because she died of cancer when my mother was young but she tells me stories about her and my mother says she can see characteristics of my grandma in me. I would love to have a memory of both my grandparents together that I can pull to mind instead of having a photo of people I barely know.
ReplyDeleteClayton Worsham
Perhaps an instance where a child has lost both parents before they were able to form a memory of them would be a situation where placing a false memory would aid in the troubles that the child is going through. A memory showing the love the parents had for their child would create some comfort that the child could draw back on when needed.
My biggest fear with the idea of implanting memories is someone developing a way to implant memories in large groups of people instantly. People could cause huge riots by placing memories of extreme hatred towards someone or something in large amounts of people around them. I picture a crazed scientist seeking revenge by placing false memories in people around their target. It may seem a little out-there but that scenario keeps coming to mind when I think of this.
This topic was brought up during my own EQ1 course. The idea with memories is exactly what the word is; your own thoughts and experiences that you are able to recall. Experiences in our lives are put there and take place to teach us and mold us into better human beings. We learn from our mistakes, have personal accomplishments and enjoyments, and relish in the victories of our loved ones. If these memories were then implanted, those ideas would be fake. What would those memories teach us or do for us? Could we even enjoy knowing that what we thought of was not even real?
ReplyDelete