Are memories considered to be fixed or dynamic?

Memories are best understood as dynamic and fluid, rather than fixed. This perspective acknowledges that our recollections can change over time and can be influenced by various factors, including new experiences, emotions, and the context in which we recall them. This quality of memory allows for adaptation and integration of new information, which is essential for learning and personal growth.

Memories can be reconstructed rather than retrieved in a perfect or unchanged format, which indicates their mutable nature. The fluidity of memories also means they can be altered through suggestions or re-experiencing related events, as well as through social interactions.

While some memories may feel more stable due to their emotional significance or repetition, the overarching understanding in psychology is that memories are not fixed entities; they are complex and susceptible to change. This characteristic of memory supports creative problem-solving and emotional resilience, making dynamic processing a crucial part of human cognition.