The False Memory Diet: False Memories Alter Food Preferences

Abstract

A century of research has shown that memory is malleable, meaning that it involves reconstruction and is even susceptible to complete fabrication. It could be said that false memories are ubiquitous, sometimes occurring spontaneously and sometimes as a result of external suggestion. Recent research has shown that false memories about having gotten sick from particular foods in childhood can be planted through suggestion and that these false memories can have consequences for people. The false memories can affect what people tell you they want to eat at a party and even how much of a particular food they actually eat. False memories about getting sick may lead people to avoid the food, while false memories of a positive nature can incite people to embrace the food. Similar false memories can be planted about beverages containing alcohol; people can be led to falsely remember these experiences and these false memories affect drinking attitudes and behaviors. Several key issues arise concerning these false food and alcohol memories. For example, who is susceptible to having their memories distorted in this way, and, conversely, who is resistant? What types of foods and beverages are particularly susceptible to false memory formation? Can these techniques be used in practical ways to influence nutritional selection and dieting? Given the obesity problem in Western society, false memory diets might make a significant applied contribution to its solution. We discuss these issues, in addition to ethical concerns.