Some people want to be able to watch a movie “for the first time” all over again. Others want to forget a rubbish one. If you could remove just one movie from your memory, which would it be?
Some people want to be able to watch a movie “for the first time” all over again. Others want to forget a rubbish one. If you could remove just one movie from your memory, which would it be?
I developed a moderately effective technique to suppress memories to the point where they’re functionally removed. Perhaps not coincidentally, I don’t know of any movies I want to forget.
“…also, I’ve forgotten the technique”
And my name…
“…and My Axe!”
The technique is actually pretty simple: whenever you remember something you want to forget, think of something else instead. My go-to memory is “O Cara Mia” as performed by Rockleetist. I sing the song when I perform my technique, but I don’t think that’s actually necessary for everyone. Eventually, I start singing the song when I feel like I might remember some nebulous thing that feels like I might not want to, because the neural pathways of the memory and performing the song get interlinked. (probably, I’m 100% conjecturing the neurology of it) Eventually, the neural pathways that led to the memory instead lead to the song, and unless you get a strong reminder, you’re unlikely to conjure the memory unbidden.
how do you know it works?
I have been reminded of events that I intentionally blocked out, and the resurfacing memories typically come with memories of me intentionally going through the process to forget them. Also, I’ve had fewer intrusive thoughts of momentary shame from long-distant social faux-pas, which is what I think I usually use it for. I don’t think I’ve ever suppressed the memory of a substantially lengthy piece of media though; I don’t think the technique is that effective over reasonable time scales.
For me, it’s to wither watch the movie traaaashed, or rolling.