Is it possible to train the mind to have a photographic memory?

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The discussion centers on the ability to recall sequences of numbers, such as phone numbers and IDs, through a mental process of reading them aloud. The participant notes that while they can remember numbers effectively in the short term, they risk mixing up digits if they don't rehearse them soon after. They express uncertainty about whether this ability qualifies as a form of photographic memory or simply indicates strong short-term memory. The average short-term memory capacity is mentioned, highlighting that most people can retain around seven items. The conversation also touches on the potential for training the mind to improve memory capabilities, suggesting that there may be techniques available to enhance memory function.
Werg22
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When I look at a sequence of numbers, I can close my eyes and read the numbers out. This is how I normally remember phone numbers, id numbers and everything else including numbers. However, if I don't go through the process of reading it out within a few minutes or so, I may interchange the position of two numbers. Now, I don't think I have a photographic memory, far from it, I wouldn't be able to read out a text from sheer memory for example. Could you say weak or semi photographic? Or maybe this just means I have a good short memory?
 
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It sounds like you have a very good short term memory. The average capacity is seven (plus or minus two) items that can be held in STM with rehearsal and no distractions (excluding chunking techniques). About how many numbers can you accurately retain in a sequence this way?
 
Werg22 said:
When I look at a sequence of numbers, I can close my eyes and read the numbers out. This is how I normally remember phone numbers, id numbers and everything else including numbers. However, if I don't go through the process of reading it out within a few minutes or so, I may interchange the position of two numbers. Now, I don't think I have a photographic memory, far from it, I wouldn't be able to read out a text from sheer memory for example. Could you say weak or semi photographic? Or maybe this just means I have a good short memory?
I wonder if it is possible to train the mind to generate it's own "photographic" memory? There must be techniques available to enhance memory function?
 

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