Why is memory distortion significant in the aftermath of a critical event?

Memory distortion is significant in the aftermath of a critical event primarily because it can affect the accuracy of reports. During high-stress situations, individuals may experience intense emotions or distractions that compromise their ability to accurately remember details. This can lead to misinterpretation or fabrication of events when individuals later attempt to recount them. In contexts such as law enforcement, emergency response, or any situation requiring precise information about an incident, the reliability of witness accounts is crucial. When memory distortion occurs, it can lead to discrepancies in reports and potentially influence investigations or decision-making processes adversely. This highlights the critical need for corroboration of evidence and the understanding that eyewitness accounts, while valuable, may not always be fully reliable due to these distortions.