We trust our memories to be accurate recordings of the past, but studies reveal that they are more fragile and malleable than we may think. Our brains tend to reconstruct our memories and fill in information with what they think are plausible details, but aren’t. This talk explores the psychology behind memory distortions, from common individual experiences like déjà vu to widespread collective illusions like the Mandela Effect, as well as the implications of false memory. Understanding the inherent unreliability of memory makes us reconsider the certainty of our recollections, since it raises important questions about how much trust we should put in what we remember. If memory can be that easily influenced, then its role in shaping identity and decisions becomes far more complicated. By acknowledging how memory works, we start to see it as an adaptive process that constantly changes the past in order to help us live in the present and prepare for the future. Elaine Huang is a junior from Hamilton High School whose passions include behavioral science, education, and art. She actively explores these interests through leading her school’s Science Bowl team, being a teacher and tutor for many kids, and participating in art competitions. She has also been involved in her town’s mayor’s advisory committee, where she enjoys contributing to community initiatives. Furthermore, she competed in Academic Decathlon and secured both team and individual recognition on the regional, state, and national levels. Elaine plans to work on projects regarding behavioral development in children and eventually hopes to pursue a career in psychiatry, with a goal of further exploring the complexities of the human mind. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx