Why We Forget What We Read — and How to Fix It

Have you ever found yourself reading a book or article, only to forget most of it shortly after? This is a common experience for many of us, and it’s not because we’re not paying attention or because we’re not smart enough. The truth is, our brains are wired to forget certain information, especially if it’s not deemed important for our survival or daily lives.

One reason we forget what we read is due to how our brains process information. When we read, we’re taking in a lot of data, but our brains don’t store everything. They filter out what’s not essential, which is why we often can’t recall details from books or articles unless they’re particularly meaningful or emotionally charged. For instance, if you read a story about a character who overcomes a significant challenge, you might remember that part more clearly because it resonates with you emotionally.

Another factor is time decay. The more time passes since we read something, the more likely we are to forget it. This is because the neural connections that form memories weaken if they’re not reinforced. Think of it like a path in the woods: if you don’t walk on it regularly, it becomes overgrown and harder to find.

Lastly, our brains rely on cues to recall memories. If we don’t associate what we read with specific cues—like sights, sounds, or emotions—it can be difficult to remember later on. This is why sometimes we might remember a song or a smell from our childhood more vividly than a book we read last year.

So, how can we improve our ability to remember what we read? The key is to engage actively with the material. Here are a few strategies:

1. **See, Connect, Repeat**: When you read, try to visualize the information. Connect it to your own experiences or emotions. Then, repeat the process by reviewing what you’ve read at intervals. This helps strengthen those neural connections.

2. **Take Notes**: Writing down key points or insights helps you focus and retain information better. It’s like creating a map to help you navigate back to those memories later.

3. **Discuss It**: Talking about what you’ve read with others can help solidify it in your memory. It forces you to think critically about the content and connect it to your own thoughts and experiences.

4. **Make It Emotional**: Try to find something in what you’re reading that resonates with you emotionally. This could be a character’s struggle, a historical event, or a scientific discovery. Emotions are powerful memory triggers.

By using these strategies, you can improve your ability to remember what you read and make the information more meaningful and lasting. It’s not about remembering everything; it’s about retaining what matters to you.