false memories

False memories are recollections of events that didn't actually happen or are distorted versions of real events. They occur when our brain reconstructs memories, sometimes influenced by suggestions, misinformation, or personal beliefs. Factors like stress, the passage of time, and social interactions can also shape or alter what we remember. As a result, people may confidently recall details that are incorrect, believing them to be true. This phenomenon highlights the malleability of human memory and raises important questions about the reliability of eyewitness accounts and personal recollections in various contexts, including legal situations and therapy.