Reaction Paper: Memory Doctor

Before reading the article, I thought that a memory doctor refers to a person who heals
forgotten or repressed memories. I was quite surprised to know that being one of them
involves falsifying or manipulating people into believing that they had seen or heard something
even if they have not. While reading part 1, I was thinking about how altering memories can be
really fun. I can do experiments that even though are useless, but entertaining. Then it became
more serious as manipulating memories has been already used in courts, crime operations, etc.

This was when I realized that having the knowledge to implant memories on people
could only lead to much bigger problems. Implanting memories can be considered as a
revolutionary move, especially in the courtroom. People can make people believe that
someone is guilty even if he or she is innocent. Accusations like rape, murder, and others can be
convicted to someone who did not even commit it. In the Philippine setting, the people who
could benefit the most are the rich people or the ruling elite. This is where having a lot of
money can be very useful. Considered that most of politicians are accused of various cases (e.g.
plunder), they can use a memory doctor to manipulate witnesses or the jury to be in their
favour. If someone committed murder or physical abuse, they can also do the same. Rich
people can, without a doubt, have an access to these people if they want to.

Another thought that came to me was that it could be use for spreading fake news.
Based on the first experiment shown in the article, people can edit some pictures of the past
and use it for making fake news. For example, a person could edit President Duterte shaking
hands with someone who is a leader of a terrorist group. This scenario could be interpreted in
many ways. It can mean that the president is making peace with the terrorist group or that the
president is forming an alliance with the said group. It can put people in danger as it can depict
different implications.

On a more positive note, I was quite impressed by Elizabeth Loftus for using her
knowledge in a useful way. She helped defend and prevent people from being wrongfully
convicted. She represented people who were on the verge of going to prison. I was also
impressed of how committed she was on digging more knowledge about her field, until it paved
way for a new profession, the memory doctor. It was now used for therapy. I was with Loftus
even if some professionals were against her. If it does not cause harm to other people, then it I
think it is a feasible way. In relation to this, it would be very useful for people trying to lose
weight or workout. It goes to show that having this skill cannot only be used in criminal related
events but also to make people’s lives better. It can help people who struggle with temptation
by teaching them how to avoid such foods.
 I believe that she deserved the awards and recognition that were given to her. She kind
of revolutionized the field of memory and created another harmless therapeutical way in
altering people’s memory in a positive manner.

I am interested on where memory implant would take the field of psychology in the
future. I know that memory therapy will come a long way if some individuals will invest in it as I
think that it will also be beneficial to other fields. As far as I am concerned, I would really love
to know if this process will be useful especially in treating mental disorders like Major
Depressive Disorders or Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. I hope someone will consider
experimenting memory implant in treating such disorders.