Selective Memory Deletion Device

[v2prwsmb45yhuq3wj23vpjk]

Imagine a device that would allow you to selectively delete specific memories and specific stuff associated with the memories from your mind. For example, say you went to a restaurant. You could choose to delete the entire experience, or you could delete your memory of the taste of the food, or how happy or sad you felt during it, etc.

Would you use the device? If so, for what?

[Twoflower]

nope. no way.

[Vargur]

Nah, memories define an individual.

[derpkitteh]

hell yeah i would. good riddance 9th grade, gtfo.

[Kasierith]

As much as I'd like to remove certain parts of my memory.... my memories are an integral part of my identity. I had to undergo a surgery that involved induced memory loss, and that that brief part of my life just.. vanished terrifies me even more than the prospect of death. My memory and knowledge is my sacred treasure, and even the horrible ones are held dear.

Oh wait, there's one thing. Snow White and the Huntsman. As long as I get to keep the memory of hating it so I wouldn't accidentally see it again.

[v2prwsmb45yhuq3wj23vpjk]

Nah, memories define an individual.

Do you think that deleting, say, the memory of bad food would drastically change who you are? Also, do you object to changing who you are in general?

As much as I'd like to remove certain parts of my memory.... my memories are an integral part of my identity. I had to undergo a surgery that involved induced memory loss, and that that brief part of my life just.. vanished terrifies me even more than the prospect of death. My memory and knowledge is my sacred treasure, and even the horrible ones are held dear.

Oh wait, there's one thing. Snow White and the Huntsman. As long as I get to keep the memory of hating it so I wouldn't accidentally see it again.

You could keep the part of the memory of hating it, yes. As for your memories being an integral part of you, do you feel that all of your memories are required for your identity? If so, does that not mean that your identity is constantly changing as new memories are added? Assuming that, why is a change in identity via the deletion of memories worse?

As for myself, I'd probably delete everything about my favorite shows except the name and the fact that I liked them so I could rewatch them in all their awesome.

[almaderp]

I prefer to remember everything, regardless of how painful that memory may be.

[Calzaeth]

haha, no. As a person, I am the sum of all my past experiences, and I quite like current me^^

[Letmesleep]

Sure, I could stand to forget a couple things. It's not like I'd have to totally replace my life. Sign me up, seems likes a helpful device.

[Collegeguy]

I already have that device...


Every now and then I'll be sitting in bed and remember something embarrassing or sad that happened years ago. I cringe or laugh for a moment, and then forget about it for the next 5 years. Just willfully block the things you don't like.

[Deleted]

I wouldn't use it. There are memories which i don't like, seeing children in little pieces in Afghanistan for example but in the end they add to the person i am today and therefor i wouldn't remove them. I am by all means not perfect, but i have no desire to change myself.

[semaphore]

Yes. I'm plagued by some childhood memories that I would delete in a heartbeat. But apart from those, I don't think I would give up on my more recent memories or any new ones.

[Deleted]

Go see the movie "eternal sunshine of the spotless mind"... really touching movie!

I would definetly use it, as I just experienced a painful break-up. It's only been 3 months and every memory of her just hurts too much.
The only reason I wouldn't use it, is that I would not be able to learn out of mistakes I made in that relationship. Chances are I would mess up in the same way as I already did.

[derpkitteh]

i also got an ex i'd like to forget everything about.

[Kasierith]

You could keep the part of the memory of hating it, yes. As for your memories being an integral part of you, do you feel that all of your memories are required for your identity? If so, does that not mean that your identity is constantly changing as new memories are added? Assuming that, why is a change in identity via the deletion of memories worse?

In general? Yes, although I don't think the butterfly effect is so potent that minute events no longer remembered would seriously affect my person. Our current personality is established by a lifetime of experiences, specific for us as individuals. Not all of them are required in this, of course. But its the very concept of my memories, something that belongs to me and me alone, the very essence that defines me, that is important. I suppose one reason why Kant has always interested me is that I believe in the universality of certain things. My memories are my own, and that in itself gives them significance even if their direct effect on my personality is insignificant.

This reminds me a bit of another thought experiment, one you're likely familiar with; the dream machine. No matter how many times I approach that philosophical construct, I have invariably arrived at the same conclusion: I will not enter under any circumstances. My person, my memories, my thoughts, all developed not by the press of the button but by times immutable flow, are of greater importance to me than any utilitarianist concept.

[Yunru]

Only some bad ones i cant forget and they plague me.

[Deleted]

Go see the movie "eternal sunshine of the spotless mind"... really touching movie!

I would definetly use it, as I just experienced a painful break-up. It's only been 3 months and every memory of her just hurts too much.
The only reason I wouldn't use it, is that I would not be able to learn out of mistakes I made in that relationship. Chances are I would mess up in the same way as I already did.

Was about to mention ESotSM, one of my favourite movies

And for the same reason as the underlying idea in that movie I wouldn't use such a device - your memories, whether good or bad, shape who you are. Bad memories help you become stronger if you overcome them and getting older there will be many more bad things to come that we will need to deal with. Removing a single memory won't change you and might not stop you from experiencing the same thing again since you don't have the initial memory to prepare you.

Edit: that said, if a device like that existed it could help people with serious psychosis, though it might not eliminate the root of the problem.

[Arcanimus]

One of those already exists, but it's really risky.

Apply directly to the head until the desired memory is no longer accessible.

Enjoy.

OT: I would likely not use such a device, as doing so may cause me to experience said event again, in the case of a traumatic breakup, ect.

[Laize]

Imagine a device that would allow you to selectively delete specific memories and specific stuff associated with the memories from your mind. For example, say you went to a restaurant. You could choose to delete the entire experience, or you could delete your memory of the taste of the food, or how happy or sad you felt during it, etc.

Would you use the device? If so, for what?

Yes, a thousand times yes. I'd use it to experience truly amazing experiences over and over again.

Like the first time I saw My Little Pony: FiM.

[Deleted]

I already have selective memory, so I can "choose" to forget.

It really sucks when I have to remember stuff I don't believe is important