Perspective Matters: When Visual Perspective Reshapes Autobiographical Memories

Abstract

Memories are not accurate records of the past, but instead reflect our unique point-of-view. Not only do we experience events from a particular visual perspective, we can also retrieve events from one of two perspectives: 1) an own eyes perspective, from the same viewpoint where the event was initially experienced, and 2) an observer-like perspective, where we might “see” ourselves in the remembered event. The particular visual perspective adopted, as well as the ability to shift between perspectives, is associated with changes in the subjective and objective characteristics of memories, which has led to debate regarding whether the presence of novel perspectives reflects inaccuracies or distortions. In this target article I will provide an overview of cognitive research on visual perspective in memories for events by discussing the circumstances in which adopting an observer-like perspective signals changes in memories that impact their veridicality and the legal applications to eyewitness testimony.

When having photographs of events influences the visual perspective of autobiographical memories

“…Prior research has shown that the platform through which photos were to be shared (e.g., social media, text message) and the closeness of the desired audience (e.g., acquaintances, close friends, family) can both potentially impact an individual's self‐presentational concern (i.e., fear of judgement; Barasch et al, 2018). Stronger feelings related to how we are portrayed by others during encoding are thought in turn to influence whether people adopt an observer‐like perspective (for review see St. Jacques, 2023).…”

“…Thus, photographs portray observer‐like perspectives of our experiences, in which we see ourselves, rather than mimicking the own eyes perspective we typically see the world from. Prior research has demonstrated that the viewpoint people adopt during retrieval can reshape the phenomenology and content of memories (St. Jacques, 2023). Although photographs are frequently used to elicit autobiographical memories (e.g., Burt et al, 2003; St. Jacques et al, 2008), much less is known regarding how having photographs of events influences the way in which people remember.…”