Flashbulb memories are usually evoked when people recall a memorable moment and remember every detail as if it were yesterday. However, research shows us that flash memories are not all they seem. Flash memories are defined as “memories of the circumstances in which one first learned of a very surprising and consequential (or emotionally arousing) event” (Winograd, 1983). This suggests that for a memory to become a flash memory, it must be emotionally exciting and surprising. Some researchers believe that flash memories develop after the event. When we attach meaningful information to the event, that's when the event becomes a flash bulb. From there, people often think about the event all the time and constantly update their memories (Winograd, 1983). The memories we create, whether daily or flash, are distorted and can be forgotten over time (Davidson, 2005). These memories are formed in our daily lives but they are not as concrete as we think. When someone creates a memory, especially if it is a flashbulb, they usually have confidence in what they are remembering. Events that are particularly emotionally charged are often recreated with vividness and confidence (Romeu, 2006). These memories, however, are no more precise than an everyday memory (Weaver, 1993). Studies show that people forget flashbulb memories at the same rate as other memories. In a 2012 study, researchers examined the effects of emotional intensity on memory. Subjects were shown a collection of 60 photographs containing 20 colored dots in the center of the photograph. After viewing the photographs, participants watched a neutral video for an hour, then found themselves... middle of paper ......motion, 12(4), 834-846. doi:10.1037/a0028003Romeu, PF (2006). Memories of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001: study of the coherence and phenomenal characteristics of flash memories. The Spanish Journal of Psychology, 9(1), 52-60. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/274680490?accountid=37813Tekcan, A. İ. and Peynircioğlu, ZF (2002). Effects of age on flash memories. Psychology and Aging, 17(3), 416-422. doi:10.1037/0882-7974.17.3.416Weaver, Calif. (1993). Do you need a "flash" to form flash memory? Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 122(1), 39-46. doi:10.1037/0096-3445.122.1.39 Winograd, E. and Killinger, W. A. ​​(1983). Linking encoding age in early childhood to adult memory: Development of flash memories. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 112(3), 413-422. do I:10.1037/0096-3445.112.3.413