Is photographic memory real or just a myth?

The existence of true photographic memory is a very controversial and discussed topic. Some argue that it is an innate skill while others are sure it’s just a fiction. So is photographic memory real? And what are the methods of developing the ability to vividly retain visual materials in your mind?

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How to explain phenomenal memory skills?

You probably heard about geniuses with phenomenal memory that can name all the capitals of the world, remember dozens of new names or numbers in a minute, reproduce the text or describe a picture in detail just by looking at it for a second. But how do they do it? Have they already been born with such talent or simply developed it with time? Can anyone have or obtain such a unique skill to encode, store, and retrieve a load of information? Or it is a privileged gift for the chosen ones?

Well, the human brain works in the same way and the memory mechanism shows that any type of information gets into the mind storage of any person.

But the studies show that not everyone is capable to recall that information because most people simply forget it. The success of spectacular memory aptitude can be explained by mind training to reproduce images, photographs, objects, and different types of visual materials with a very high level of detail and in such a way obtaining photographic memory skills. 

But is photographic memory real and how is it possible to develop it?

Factors affecting memory capacity and improvement of brain activities

It’s hard to deny that photographic memory really exists, as a lot of people have proven their ability to remember visual materials and then recall it. However, scientists do not find clear explanations for this phenomenon. So answering the question is photographic memory a real thing, the answer probably will be negative. So the exceptional mental talent of some people is a collection of the following factors:

• genetics and innate abilities,
• life experience,
• ability to focus, concentrate, and be attentive to details,
• mind practicing and brain development.

And even if you are disappointed with the fact that the question “is photographic memory real” has a negative answer, it doesn’t mean that you cannot achieve brain power, increase memory capacity, and gain control over processes of memorization. There are special techniques called mnemonic devices that can significantly improve brain activity and allow your memory to hold an unlimited amount of information. As a result of daily efforts, you will keep in mind facts, events, new knowledge, meanings, and definitions.

How to develop a mnemonic strategy?

Mnemonic techniques are perfect for developing visual, short-term, long-term, episodic, and eidetic memory. The concept of mnemonics is that you create associations with vivid images that are difficult to erase from memory for better memorization of complicated things. Apart from associations, a strategy for learning new materials can include rhyming, using acronyms, chunking. The method of Loci, also known as the mind palace technique, is the most productive method of expanding mind possibilities. A person, aiming to remember new information, mentally imagines familiar location creating a mind map and place there something that should be remembered and retrieved when needed. New technologies make mnemonic strategies and the learning process even more fun and interactive. With software like memoryOS, anyone can easily improve their memory and increase the retention of important information.