After conducting research, I have come to understand that the process of memory involves three stages. The reason why all the information we receive in our lives can be remembered is because this information undergoes encoding, and transforming into a usable form. Subsequently, it is stored in our brains, but most of the time these memories remain in our subconscious, a process referred to as storage. Retrieval is the act of bringing stored memories into conscious awareness.

Memory encompasses various types, with autobiographical memory referring to the type associated with personal life experiences and events. This type of memory is closely linked to an individual's self-awareness, characterized by subjectivity and influenced by personal perspectives, emotions, and the ongoing process of self-construction. Autobiographical memory is further categorized into four modes.

Of note is the self-schema, a holistic impression each person has of themselves. Due to the existence of this impression, individuals tend to easily remember events that confirm this self-view and are more likely to forget incidents that contradict it. For instance, a person with low self-esteem might struggle to recall their successful experiences, reinforcing a biased self-perception. This biased impression can even lead to the brain altering memories that do not align with the established self-schema.

Upon researching subconscious factors influencing memory, such as biases, emotions, and priming, I contemplated how to approach memory from the perspectives of encoding, storage, and retrieval.

I believe that understanding oneself cannot be limited to personality tests, as often our responses to questions align with the idealized version of ourselves.

Inspired by the concept of "retrieval" from personal diaries, I designed a test. Considering the subjectivity of memory, I meticulously documented a day (and printed it out) and recorded some visuals with my phone. Afterward, I showed others my recorded diary and asked them to describe what kind of person "I" am.

(My Day, 17 July)

(Screenshot from the video)

Some remarked, "I feel like she is very strict with herself because she is always blaming herself for being late again." Another person mentioned feeling like they were inside my head while reading the diary because of the numerous thoughts I had documented. What resonated with her was that if she went to a friend's house and saw several strangers, she would also feel afraid.

Another tester expressed the perception that I am a vulnerable and nice person who seems to need others.

(Testing in Battersea Park)

So I gained a view of myself from a third perspective. These perspectives provided me with alternative viewpoints to consider, and due to the detailed nature of the recording, others could gain a deeper understanding.