Guodong Wu¹, Aron Elias², Jalyn Huang³#

¹ University of Western Ontario

² Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science

³ Irvine High School

#Advisor

ABSTRACT

This paper examines the malleability of human memory through the lens of false memory research, beginning with Loftus’ seminal demonstrations of the misinformation effect. Drawing on both classic and contemporary findings, we explore how post-event information can distort memory at both the perceptual and conceptual levels, and how repeated exposure to misleading suggestions increases source confusion and produces vivid but inaccurate recollections. Real-world examples—including the McMartin Preschool Abuse Trial and Hillary Clinton’s misremembered sniper-fire incident—highlight the pervasive impact of suggestibility beyond laboratory settings. Building on this foundation, we review how memory reconsolidation research reveals a critical period in which reactivated memories become temporarily destabilized and vulnerable to modification. Although this mechanism may pose ethical risks, it also presents opportunities for therapeutic interventions in conditions such as PTSD and substance use disorders. Replication studies of the original Loftus paradigm confirm the robustness of false memory implantation, even in larger and more ecologically valid samples. Recent work on AI-generated misinformation and deepfakes further underscores the urgency of this research, showing that large language models and synthetic media can dramatically increase false memory rates, particularly when people rely on intuitive (System 1) processing. Taken together, the evidence demonstrates that memory is highly reconstructive and susceptible to influence, emphasizing the importance of continued investigation and the development of strategies to enhance critical thinking and source monitoring in an increasingly digital world.

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