eli5: Do humans have limits to their memory abilities? Or we have unlimited memory but if something is not used, it will be pruned away
In: Biology
Memories are connections between neurons. Strong memories are reinforced connections between neurons. You strengthen memories by actively remembering those memories over and over again, kinda like strengthening a muscle. It gets easier and easier. So when you don’t activate those connections, it weakens just like an unused muscle. Memories fade over time if you dont think about them.
So while the human brain can store immense amounts of memories and information. Only the most important connections are reinforced over the less important stuff. Eventually the least important stuff will fade away.
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