Numerous Taylor Swift enthusiasts are experiencing what they call “post-concert amnesia” after going to her “Eras” tour. These fans have turned to social media, especially TikTok, to express their confusion over not being able to remember important parts of the concert, despite their excitement and preparation. A user named @champaigeproblems shared their bewilderment about not recollecting the event, even though they knew it was an amazing experience. Other fans have also expressed similar sentiments, relying on the footage they recorded during the show to piece together their memories.
Psychologists say that it's normal to forget things at concerts due to the excitement and sensory overload. Dr. Michelle Phillips, a music psychology lecturer, mentioned that feeling disoriented and having fragmented memories is common when time seems to pass quickly because of the intense enjoyment experienced at events.
Dr. Punit Shah, a psychologist at the University of Bath, explained that emotions can either strengthen or weaken memories. Some people who attend concerts experience intense emotions that create vivid and long-lasting memories, known as “flashbulb memories.” However, for others, these strong emotions can interfere with the formation of memories, resulting in gaps or unclear recollections. Additionally, the collective experience of the crowd can intensify emotions and make individual memories less distinct.
Neuroscientist Dr. Dean Burnett compared the experience to that of an “angry mob” where the collective emotional state can cause individuals to lose a sense of self, resulting in blurry memories. The extravagant nature of modern concerts, with their elaborate props, lights, and costume changes, can overwhelm the senses and leave fans struggling to process all the stimuli. Despite these memory lapses, fans are reassured that the concerts are likely to be cherished as unforgettable experiences, even if specific details remain elusive.
