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What we remember when we remember 9/11

<name>Jennifer Talarico, Professor of Psychology, Lafayette College </name> <foaf:homepage rdf:resource="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jennifer-talarico-162445"/>· 10 septembre 2026

President George W. Bush reacts in a Sarasota, Fla., classroom after being told of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington on Sept. 11, 2001. AP Photo/Doug Mills Do you remember where you were and what you were doing when you learned of the September 11 terrorist attacks that

Résumé

Flashbulb memories

Flashbulb memories are vivid and long-lasting recollections of the exact moment when someone learned about a surprising and significant public event, such as the September 11 terrorist attacks.

These memories are not about the event itself but about the context in which the person first heard the news.

For example, a flashbulb memory of 9/11 might include details like where a person was, what they were doing, who they were with, and how they felt when they saw the events unfold on television.

The term was first introduced in 1977 by psychologist Roger Brown and his student James Kulik.

Unlike ordinary memories, flashbulb memories feel highly detailed and accurate, which is why people often trust them strongly.

However, research shows these memories can fade or change over time, just like regular memories, despite their vividness.

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