Lifestyle

Forgetting is more difficult than remembering

Published

7 years ago

March 13, 2019

Forgetting is more difficult than remembering

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Choosing to forget something uses more brain power than trying to remember it, according to a study that could lead to treatments to help people rid themselves of unwanted memories.

The findings, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, suggest that in order to forget an unwanted experience, more attention should be focused on it.

The study extends prior research on intentional forgetting, which focused on reducing attention to the unwanted information through redirecting attention away from unwanted experiences or suppressing the memory’s retrieval.

“We may want to discard memories that trigger maladaptive responses, such as traumatic memories so that we can respond to new experiences in more adaptive ways,” said Jarrod Lewis-Peacock, an assistant professor at The University of Texas at Austin in the US.

“Once we can figure out how memories are weakened and devise ways to control this, we can design treatment to help people rid themselves of unwanted memories,” Lewis-Peacock.

Memories are dynamic constructions of the brain that regularly get updated, modified and reorganised through experience. The brain is constantly remembering and forgetting information and much of this happens automatically during sleep.

Prior studies focused on locating “hotspots” of activity in the brain’s control structures, such as the prefrontal cortex, and long-term memory structures, such as the hippocampus. The latest study focuses, instead, on the sensory and perceptual areas of the brain, specifically the ventral temporal cortex, and the patterns of activity there that correspond to memory representations of complex visual stimuli.

“We are looking not at the source of attention in the brain, but the sight of it,” said Lewis-Peacock.

Using neuroimaging to track patterns of brain activity the researchers showed a group of healthy adults, images of scenes and faces, instructing them to either remember or forget each image. Their findings not only confirmed that humans have the ability to control what they forget, but that successful intentional forgetting required “moderate levels” of brain activity in these sensory and perceptual areas — more activity than what was required to remember.

“A moderate level of brain activity is critical to this forgetting mechanism. Too strong, and it will strengthen the memory; too weak, and you won’t modify it,” said Tracy Wang, lead author of the study and a psychology postdoctoral fellow at UT Austin.

“Importantly, it is the intention to forget that increases the activation of the memory, and when this activation hits the ‘moderate level’ sweet spot, that is when it leads to later forgetting of that experience,” Wang said.

The researchers also found that participants were more likely to forget scenes than faces, which can carry much more emotional information, the researchers said.

“This will make way for future studies on how we process, and hopefully get rid of, those really strong, sticky emotional memories, which can have a powerful impact on our health and well-being,” Lewis-Peacock said.

(Inputs from media reports)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Related Topics:Forgetting Memory Neuroscience Unwanted memories

Up Next

Pre and Post skin and hair care tips for Holi

Don't Miss

Indians feel older earlier than Japanese, Swiss: Study

Lifestyle

Who is Kaziah Liz Mejo, the 19-year-old who won Miss Universe India 2026?

Kerala’s 19-year-old law student and model Kaziah Liz Mejo has won Miss Universe India 2026. She will represent India at the Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico.

Published

2 weeks ago

August 25, 2026

APNLive Desk

Kaziah Liz Mejo has been crowned Miss Universe India 2026, becoming the first Keralite to win the national title. The 19-year-old law student and model from Mavelikkara, Kerala, won the crown at the pageant finale in Jaipur on Sunday.

With the victory, Kaziah Liz Mejo will now represent India at the 75th Miss Universe pageant, which is scheduled to take place in Puerto Rico in November. She emerged as the winner after competing against 52 other finalists.

Who is Kaziah Liz Mejo?

Kaziah Liz Mejo is a law student and model from Mavelikkara, Kerala. Although her latest victory has brought her national attention, she already had experience in beauty pageants before winning the Miss Universe India 2026 crown.

She won the Miss Teen Diva 2024 title at the age of 17. In 2025, she represented India at Miss Teen International and finished as the first runner-up. Earlier in 2026, she also won the Miss Universe Kerala title and became the youngest state titleholder.

Her latest achievement has added another milestone to her pageant journey, as she is the first Keralite to win the Miss Universe India title.

Kaziah Liz Mejo grew up in Abu Dhabi

Born in 2007, Kaziah spent her childhood in Abu Dhabi, UAE. She studied at Emirates National School, St Joseph’s School and Abu Dhabi Indian School.

She is currently pursuing law alongside her modelling career. Her interests also extend beyond academics and pageantry.

According to information cited from the Miss Teen Diva website, Kaziah has trained in classical dance for 12 years. She also sings and plays the drums and violin. She has explored public speaking and acting as well.

Kaziah also made her acting debut with the Malayalam film Shylock.

Kaziah Liz Mejo’s pageant journey

Kaziah’s Miss Universe India 2026 victory follows several achievements in the pageant circuit. After winning Miss Teen Diva 2024, she went on to represent India at Miss Teen International 2025, where she finished as the first runner-up.

Her 2026 journey continued with the Miss Universe Kerala title before she competed at the national pageant in Jaipur.

The finale jury included former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen, who led the panel. Former Miss Universe India winners Urvashi Rautela and Celina Jaitley were also part of the judging panel.

Who were the runners-up?

Vaishnavi Gannesh from Tamil Nadu was named the first runner-up and also won the Miss International India 2026 title, while Gujarat’s Anushri Satavlekar finished as the second runner-up.

Kaziah was crowned by last year’s Miss Universe India winner Manika Vishwakarma, who had represented India at the international pageant.

What is next for Kaziah Liz Mejo?

Kaziah Liz Mejo’s next major assignment will be the 75th Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico. She is scheduled to travel there in November to represent India at the international competition.

Lifestyle

15 August 2026 wishes to share patriotic messages with friends and family

Looking for Independence Day wishes? Here are 10 patriotic messages to share with friends, family and loved ones on August 15.

Published

3 weeks ago

August 14, 2026

APNLive Desk

15 August Independence Day patriotic wishes and messages

India celebrates Independence Day every year on August 15. The occasion is marked by remembering the struggles and sacrifices of those who fought for the country’s freedom.

On this special day, people often exchange wishes through social media, WhatsApp and text messages. If you are looking for patriotic messages to send to friends and family, here are 10 options for Independence Day 2026.

10 patriotic Independence Day wishes for August 15

1. A patriotic message

The tricolour is our pride and India is our identity. Remembering the heroes of the nation, wishing you and your family a very happy Independence Day. Jai Hind!

2. Remembering the freedom fighters

A heartfelt salute to the brave souls who sacrificed their lives for India’s freedom. Wishing everyone a very happy Independence Day.

3. Independence Day message for friends

On the festival of freedom, may the spirit of patriotism always remain in our hearts and bring smiles to our faces. Wishing all my friends a very happy August 15. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!

4. Independence Day wish for family

Salute to our motherland, India, which fills us with pride. Wishing my entire family a very happy Independence Day.

5. A message celebrating the tricolour

The tricolour flying high in the sky represents unity, courage and honour. Let us always uphold its dignity. Happy Independence Day!

6. Message for children and youth

Freedom is not just a right but also a great responsibility. Let us contribute towards making our country better. Wishing you a very happy Independence Day.

7. A message dedicated to soldiers

A salute to the brave soldiers guarding the nation’s borders, because of whom we feel safe in our homes. Salute to all the courageous soldiers and best wishes on Independence Day.

8. A heartfelt Independence Day message

The fragrance of our soil, the pride of the tricolour and respect for our motherland are part of our identity. Wishing you and your family a very happy Independence Day.

9. Independence Day message for social media

Say with pride that we are Indians; the tricolour is our identity. May the spirit of patriotism always remain alive in our hearts. Happy Independence Day! Jai Hind!

10. Wish for India’s bright future

On this Independence Day, let us pledge to always uphold the unity, integrity and honour of our country. Wishing everyone a very happy August 15.

Independence Day is also an occasion to reflect on our responsibilities towards the nation. The day can inspire us to learn from the struggles of the freedom fighters and contribute to the country’s progress.

Lifestyle

Happy Friendship Day 2026: Heartwarming quotes and wishes to share on WhatsApp and Instagram

Friendship Day 2026 is being celebrated on August 2. Explore its history, significance and the best Friendship Day quotes and wishes to share on WhatsApp and Instagram.

Published

1 month ago

August 2, 2026

APNLive Desk

Friendship Day 2026 is being celebrated on Sunday, August 2, across India and several other countries where the occasion falls on the first Sunday of August. The day recognises the importance of friendship and celebrates the companionship, trust and support that friends bring into people’s lives.

As people mark the occasion, many are exchanging heartfelt wishes, messages and quotes on social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Instagram to express gratitude for their closest friends.

History and significance of Friendship Day

The idea of Friendship Day was first introduced in 1930 by Joyce Hall, the founder of Hallmark Cards. The concept was to dedicate August 2 as a day for people to appreciate their friends by sending greeting cards. Although the tradition initially became popular, its appeal later declined in the United States.

The movement gained wider recognition in 1958 when Dr Ramon Artemio Bracho proposed celebrating friendship during a gathering in Puerto Pinasco, Paraguay. His initiative resulted in the formation of the World Friendship Crusade, an organisation that promotes peace and friendship among people worldwide.

In 2011, the United Nations officially declared July 30 as the International Day of Friendship. However, countries such as India continue to celebrate Friendship Day on the first Sunday of August.

Best Friendship Day 2026 quotes and wishes

Here are some messages and quotes that can be shared with friends on WhatsApp or posted as Instagram status updates:

“Real friendship isn’t about being inseparable, but about being separated and nothing changes. Happy Friendship Day!”

“Friends are the family we choose. Happy Friendship Day!”

“Celebrating the people who make my world warmer. Happy Friendship Day!”

“Friendship isn’t about who you’ve known the longest. It’s about who stayed. Happy Friendship Day!”

“Happy Friendship Day! Here’s to the laughs, the memories, and the unbreakable bond we share.”

“Wishing you a Friendship Day filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories.”

“Cheers to all the crazy, wonderful times we’ve shared. Happy Friendship Day!”

“True friends are never apart, maybe in distance but never in heart. Happy Friendship Day!”

“Friendship is the greatest gift of life. Happy Friendship Day to all my dear friends!”

“To the one who has seen me at my best and stood by me at my worst—thank you for being my constant anchor. Happy Friendship Day 2026!”

“Distance might keep us apart, but real friendship doesn’t care about miles. Cheers to another year of shared memories and unconditional support. Happy Friendship Day!”

“Life is unpredictable, but having a friend like you makes every hurdle easier to cross. Happy Friendship Day!”

“Happy Friendship Day! Thanks for knowing all my weirdest habits and still choosing to be seen with me in public.”

“Happy Friendship Day! Here’s to another year of laughing at our own jokes and keeping each other’s embarrassing secrets!”

“Grateful for the ones who make quiet moments comfortable and crazy moments unforgettable. Happy Friendship Day!”

As people celebrate Friendship Day 2026, these heartfelt wishes continue to remind everyone of the enduring value of genuine friendships and the memories shared with those who stand by us through every stage of life.