The science of why video evidence can mess with our brain

image via New Scientist

January 26, 2026, 7:00 PM

• •Different people can interpret the same video evidence differently due to various biases.
• •Slow-motion, camera angles, and cognitive biases affect how viewers perceive videos.
• •Eyewitness memories can be contaminated, influencing interpretations.
• •AI can alter memories of images, raising concerns about the future of video evidence.

The article explores why people interpret the same video evidence differently, especially in legal contexts. Factors like slow-motion bias, camera angles, and cognitive biases influence perception, leading to varied conclusions. Eyewitness accounts and memory contamination also play a role, as memories are constructed rather than perfectly recalled. The piece emphasizes the importance of understanding these biases to ensure fair justice and thoughtful engagement with video evidence.

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