A vivid, detailed, and long-lasting memory of the circumstances surrounding a surprising, consequential, or emotionally arousing event.
From 'flashbulb' (sudden bright flash) + 'memory.' Like a photographic flash preserving the moment. Coined by Brown and Kulik (1977).
Flashbulb memories are those vivid snapshots — you remember exactly where you were when you heard shocking news. They feel perfectly accurate, but research shows they're not!
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