Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a brain mechanism that helps people actively remove unneeded information from their memories. In a new study, published in JNeurosci, scientists found that when participants were given the option to deliberately forget certain details, their brain activity changed in response. Specifically, less active brain circuits processed the unwanted information, allowing it to be forgotten more easily. This mechanism may help people overcome negative thoughts and emotions by removing harmful memories from conscious awareness.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-clutter-people-retain-important-memories.html