What Are Core Memories and How Do They Affect Us?

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What science says about core memories

Co-authored by Allison Broennimann, PhD and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: July 24, 2025 Fact Checked

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• What are core memories?
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• Do they affect personality?
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• Can you predict them?
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• Can you create them?
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• Are core memories always happy?

|Show more |Show less

You’re scrolling through TikTok when you come across a sweet video captioned with #corememory—what’s that? A core memory is an emotional moment in your life that tends to resurface. The term became popular with the success of Disney Pixar’s film Inside Out and has since found its way into nostalgic and sappy social media posts. In this article, we’ll fill you in on everything there is to know about core memories, including whether they’re real or not.

Core Memory Definition

A core memory is a moment in your life that’s said to shape who you are. Highly emotional moments, both good and bad, may be more likely to become core memories. Core memories may influence your perspective, actions, and opinions, but don't necessarily affect your personality.

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Section 1 of 5:

What are core memories?

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1. 
   Core memories are emotional moments said to shape your personality. Core memories aren’t a clinical or real concept in neuroscience. The term comes from Disney Pixar’s 2015 movie Inside Out. The movie defines core memories as special memories that significantly impact a person’s personality. You might see #corememory on social media when someone uploads videos or pictures highlighting a nostalgic or important moment in their lives.

   • Unlike in the movie, people can have more than 5 core memories and they aren't always clearly tied to different emotions, like joy, sadness, anger, disgust, or fear.
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Section 2 of 5:

Do core memories affect your personality?

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1. 
   Core memories probably don't affect your personality. Unlike Pixar’s Inside Out, in the real world, your memories don’t define who you are. The American Psychological Association defines “personality” as “the enduring characteristics and behavior that comprise a person’s unique adjustment to life, including major traits, interests, drives, [and] values.” The life experiences and memories you have can influence you, but they don’t ultimately determine who you’ll be.

   • For instance, in the movie, Riley (Inside Out’s main character) loses a core memory called Goofball Island. When this happens, she becomes less of a goofball, appearing more serious and sad. This isn’t the case in real life. While you may “lose” or forget memories, it doesn’t mean you’ll change.
   • An experience or memory may change your perspective or outlook on life (such as a first kiss or a scary accident), but it doesn’t impact your overall personality.

Section 3 of 5:

Can you predict core memories?

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1. 
   No, you can’t predict what will be a core memory. There’s no way to ultimately know if something you experience will be a core memory. While something may seem important at the moment, it might be something you forget later. Memories are created through a biological process and can be triggered by different things, which is why you can’t know for certain which will continue to stand out as you get older.
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Section 4 of 5:

Can you create a core memory?

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1. 
   Forming lasting memories may help create core memories. While you may not be able to predict a core memory, you can influence which memories stick with you the longest. Memory is about connections, and the stronger those connections are, the easier it is to remember. Here are some ways you can create longer lasting memories:

   • Think about moments you want to remember often. The more you think about the memory, the easier it’ll be to remember.
   • Connect memories to other things. Listening to a specific song, eating a type of food, or smelling a particular perfume can help trigger memories.
   • Take pictures and videos. Give yourself something to look back on to keep a memory alive and fresh.
   • Sleep well. When you sleep, your mind processes and stores memories, helping you remember them later.
   

   Brene Brown, Author & Professor of Social Work

   Nurture your favorite meaningful memories. "A "picture memory" is a picture I take in my mind when I’m really, really happy. I close my eyes and take a picture, so when I’m feeling sad or scared or lonely, I can look at my picture memories."

Section 5 of 5:

Are core memories always happy?

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1. 
   Core memories aren’t always happy. While TikTok and other social media platforms can make core memories seem joyful, that’s not always the case. Anything meaningful (whether good or bad) can be a core memory—sad, fearful, and angry memories can impact you. More often than not, traumatic memories are the ones that influence your experiences and perspective the most.
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