Online co‐witness discussions also lead to eyewitness memory distortion: The MORI‐v technique

Abstract

SummaryWhen co‐witnesses exchange information, false information may be presented, and false memories could be created. This co‐witness suggestibility effect has been studied in face‐to‐face interactions, and little is known about the impact of online discussions on co‐witnesses' memories. In two experiments, we explored whether (1) the co‐witness suggestibility effect appeared following online discussion and (2) enlightenment instructions reduced the effect. We created a virtual variant of the MORI procedure, the MORI‐v technique, in which participants watched a short film of a crime on a smartphone and then discussed the event via an instant‐messaging app. Results replicated the classic co‐witness suggestibility effect: false information presented by witnesses was often incorporated in their memories. Also, enlightenment instructions reduced the co‐witness suggestibility effect, just as in the misinformation paradigm. This research showed that online‐based communication might induce memory distortions and that cognitive science may help to find ways to protect us from them.