The first time I came across this was in a book. The character is described as a person that remembers briefly anything she sees. After reading about this character, I became fascinated, and the need for this write-up stemmed from my fascination.
According to Wikipedia, an eidetic memory is the ability of a person to recall an image from memory with high precision at least for a brief period of time after seeing it only once and without using a mnemonic device. Mnemonic devices are used to aid retention. They are a form of memorization used to recall images or objects with extraordinary accuracy.
Eidetic memory is often called photographic memory; however, they are different from each other. A photographic memory is ability to recall visual images with accuracy as if it were a photograph. The distinguishing factor between the two is how the mind works and how long an individual can remember these images for.
While some people believe eidetic memory to be mythic, claiming that humans do not have the capacity to retain what they see exactly the way it is for a long period of time. However, scientists and researchers have established it to be real.
It is fundamental to note the fact that the eidetic memory is found exclusively in children and not generally in adults. Adults are unable to develop this unique type of memory due to the fact that they acquire different types of skills and knowledge. Acquiring these skills that lead to developmental changes disrupt the potential for eidetic memory.
It was reported that 2-10% of children of ages 6-12 develop the tendency to have eidetic memory. Children usually do not have much activities going on in their brains, and they have no use for tons of knowledge at young age. This is a factor that paves way for development of eidetic memory in children.
The characteristics of a person with eidetic memory include: the ability to hold a visual image in mind and describe it perfectly, vivid retention of details, experiences and other information. He is highly intellectual, as he is able to deliver anything he does with perfection, be it academics or professional enterprise.
However, the fact that an individual has an eidetic memory doesn’t mean he cannot or do not forget things. He, just like other people, tends to forget things after a certain period of time. Another common thing with this person is mental exhaustion. They get tired mentally due to how vividly he has to remember things.
An eidetic memory is not something anyone can have. It might not be possible to have or train your brain to have an eidetic memory, but you can train your brain to have a longer retention capacity.
In conclusion, having an eidetic memory is special because it is not a trait everybody can possess. People who possess it are even regarded as supernaturals due to how smart they are and their retention capacity. Individuals that possess this memory exist but they are just few.