Memory and the dynamic human social environment

Micah Edelson 
University of Zurich
 
Human memory is strongly influenced by the social environment, yet the underlying 
mechanisms of this process are unknown. Using behavioral, pharmacological and 
imaging techniques we explored how long-lasting mnemonic representations can be 
altered via social influence, whether it is possible to recover from such influence, and 
how these processes can be externally controlled. Our results suggest that the social 
milieu influences memory via hippocampal and amygdala circuits while the ability to 
overcome social influence is subserved by specific prefrontal activity. We find that the 
interplay between these systems may determine the balance between memory change 
and overt compliance and can be influenced by intranasal oxytocin administration.