Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

Outside of pathology, the mechanism of forgetting seems pretty important: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperthymesia

>Hyperthymesia, or highly superior autobiographical memory (HSAM), is a condition that leads people to be able to remember an abnormally large number of their life experiences in vivid detail.

>Hyperthymestic abilities can have a detrimental effect. The constant, irrepressible stream of memories has caused significant disruption to Price's life. She described her recollection as "non-stop, uncontrollable and totally exhausting" and as "a burden".[1] Price is prone to getting lost in remembering. This can make it difficult to attend to the present or future, as she is permanently living in the past. Others who have hyperthymesia do not display any of these traits, however.




Bjork's research is all about forgetting under the Theory of Disuse (along with desirable difficulties, which is what helps us remember). See https://bjorklab.psych.ucla.edu/research/ for more.




Consider applying for YC's Summer 2025 batch! Applications are open till May 13

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: