What Are Flashbulb Memories?
Flashbulb memories are a type of vivid and emotionally-charged memories that are created by a shocking or significant event in one’s life They are often highly detailed and are recalled with a surprising amount of accuracy for the amount of time that has passed. It is believed that these memories form due to the emotional intensity of the event, its suddenness, and the context in which it took place. It is also believed that when a person experiences a particularly emotional event, they are more likely to store the experience away in a form of memory which is stronger and more vivid than regular memories.
Flashbulb memories are a special type of autobiographical memory. They are often seen as brief ‘snapshots’ in time, capturing the moment of the event in vivid detail. They are recalled much like a photograph; the memory is highly detailed, and even minor details such as the clothing that people were wearing when the event occurred can be remembered with great accuracy.
The phenomenon of flashbulb memories has been widely studied by scientists, particularly regarding people’s memories of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. It was found that there was a marked difference in the memories of those who experienced the event compared to those who watched it on television. People who experienced the event firsthand had more vivid memories of the event, and more details were recalled.
Five Examples of Flashbulb Memories
1. The Assassination of John F. Kennedy - The assassination of John F. Kennedy on November 22nd, 1963 is a common example of a flashbulb memory. Many people who were alive at that time still remember where they were when the news broke and what they were doing. The memory of this event is still burned in the minds of many people and is often seen as a defining moment in modern American history.
2. The Challenger Disaster - On January 28th, 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded after liftoff, killing all seven crew members. This event was witnessed by many people on the ground and millions more on television, and it is a common example of a flashbulb memory. People remember vividly where they were when the news of the disaster broke out, and the emotional shock of the event is often recalled.
3. 9/11 Terrorist Attacks - The 9/11 terrorist attacks are one of the most commonly-cited examples of a flashbulb memory. Many people who experienced the events firsthand still remember the shock and horror of the experience, and many can recall with great detail where they were and who they were with when the news broke.
4. Death of Princess Diana - The tragic death of Princess Diana in a car crash in 1997 is another example of a flashbulb memory. Many people remember vividly where they were when they heard the news, and the grief and sadness that filled the nation in the wake of her death was palpable.
5. The First Walk on the Moon - The historical moment of the first human stepping onto the moon on July 20th, 1969 is a moment that is often remembered as a flashbulb memory. Millions of people remained glued to their television sets to witness the event, and it went down in history as a defining moment for the human race.