A “third-person memory” describes recalling an event as if you were an external observer, like watching a scene unfold in a movie, rather than experiencing it through your own eyes. This differs from a “first-person” memory, where you relive the event from your original viewpoint.
Characteristics of Third-Person Memories
When a memory is recalled from a third-person perspective, there is often a sense of detachment from the event. You visualize yourself within the memory, observing your actions and surroundings as if from a distance. Sensory details like sounds, smells, or tactile sensations may be less prominent.
These memories contrast with first-person memories, which are more vivid and coherent, with a clearer sense of time and richer sensory details. Common scenarios where people report third-person memories include recalling childhood events, significant personal achievements, or embarrassing moments. For instance, someone might recall a childhood birthday party by seeing themselves in the scene, rather than seeing it through their own eyes at that age.
Why Memories Shift to Third Person
Memories are not perfect recordings but are actively reconstructed each time they are recalled, allowing for shifts in perspective. One cognitive theory suggests that recalling a memory from a third-person perspective can create psychological distance from the event. This self-distancing can be a natural cognitive process for managing intense emotions associated with the memory.
The brain reconstructs memories, meaning that when you access an older memory, your mind might fill in details or adjust the viewpoint based on current knowledge or external influences like photographs. This can lead to a memory shifting from a first-person to a third-person perspective over time, particularly for older memories where original details may have faded. Recalling memories from an observer-like perspective activates different brain regions, specifically showing greater interaction between the anterior hippocampus and the posterior medial network.
The Role of Emotion and Trauma
Emotional or traumatic events can strongly influence the formation of third-person memories. The brain may automatically shift to a third-person perspective as a coping mechanism to distance itself from overwhelming experiences. This can be a form of dissociation, which helps individuals manage distress by creating a spatial and temporal subjective distance between their past self and their current self.
For example, individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who recall traumatic memories from a third-person perspective often report less emotional intensity and anxiety compared to those who recall them in the first person. While this distancing can reduce immediate emotional and physiological reactivity, it may not always resolve the underlying distress in the long term. Situations such as accidents, public speaking anxiety, or significant life changes are often associated with the brain employing this distancing mechanism.
Are They Common and What Do They Mean?
Experiencing third-person memories is a common phenomenon, with reports suggesting that around 90% of people have at least one such memory. While sometimes linked to intense experiences, these memories are generally a normal part of how human memory functions and adapts. The older a memory is, the more likely it is to be recalled from a third-person perspective.
These memories can serve adaptive functions, such as aiding in self-reflection and learning from past experiences by allowing an individual to gain a broader, more objective perspective on personal events. Viewing memories from a third-person perspective can reduce the vividness and emotional intensity of the experience, contributing to personal growth and the ability to move forward from troubling events.