Do you know how our brain collects information and retains memories?

Our brain is like a supercomputer. It constantly gathers and processes information from the world around us. Have you ever wondered how it decides what to remember and what to forget? Or why only certain memories from the past stick with us? Here’s how this organ collects, filters, and stores information in a way that shapes who we are.

Brain’s first step: Gathering information through the senses

Our senses—sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell—are where the process starts. These senses gather information from our environment and sends it to the brain, serving as messengers for the brain. As an example, your eyes and ears communicate with the brain’s sensory centres when you see a lovely flower or hear a loud honk. The brain interprets this unprocessed data to make sense of the world around you.

This is a nearly immediate sensory input. Like a radar, our brain is always scanning the environment for items that can be fun, helpful, or even harmful.

How the brain decides what’s important

How does the brain decide what to focus on when there is so much information coming in at all times? The

reticular activating system

(RAS) is the mechanism that holds the solution. By prioritising information that is most pertinent to you, this area of the brain functions as a filter.
In this case, you will notice right away if someone calls your name while you are at a loud party. The reason for this is that the brain is wired to focus on important things, such as your name, survival signals, or emotionally charged situations.

Role of emotions in memory formation

Ever noticed how some memories seem burned into your mind, while others fade away? This has a lot to do with emotions. When something makes us happy, sad, or scared, our brain releases chemicals like adrenaline and cortisol. These chemicals act as a signal, telling the brain, “This is important—remember it!”
This is why we are more likely to remember our first school performance than a random day at work. Strong emotions make a memory stand out, while ordinary moments are less likely to be stored for the long term.

Why do we forget some things?

Forgetting is not always a bad thing—it’s actually the brain’s way of staying efficient. Think of it like cleaning out your closet. The brain discards information it deems unimportant to make room for new, useful data.
For example, you probably don’t remember what you had for lunch a week ago unless it was a particularly special meal. This is because the brain only saves information that seems valuable in the long run.
Forgetting helps us manage emotional baggage. The brain sometimes suppresses painful or traumatic memories as a coping mechanism to protect our mental health.

Why certain memories stick forever

So, why do we remember specific moments, like a childhood birthday or the first time you rode a bike? These memories stick because of the brain’s ability to connect emotions, senses, and repetition. The hippocampus, a small but powerful part of the brain, plays an important role here.
When we experience something repeatedly or with strong emotional intensity, the hippocampus works to consolidate that memory, moving it from short-term to long-term storage. Memories also become stronger when we recall them frequently, which is why telling stories or reminiscing with friends helps you remember events better.
Our brain’s ability to collect, filter, and store information is nothing short of extraordinary. It uses our senses, filters through priorities, and relies on emotions to decide what’s worth remembering. .