Seoul National University Brain Society Social Memory Research
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For decades, neuroscientists have understood how the brain stores personal memories – recollections of events we directly experience. But how do we retain and utilize the vast network of information about other people, their relationships, and social dynamics? Groundbreaking research from Seoul National University, published in late October 2024, suggests the existence of a dedicated social memory
system within the human brain, distinct from those governing individual episodic memories.
Uncovering the Neural Network
Researchers, led by a team at Seoul National University, identified a specific brain region consistently activated when participants were asked to recall information about social relationships. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), they observed heightened activity in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), a region already known for its role in thinking about the self and others. However, this new study pinpointed a sub-region within the mPFC specifically dedicated to processing and storing social information.
![Brain scan showing mPFC activation [Data Visualization Placeholder]](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAUAAAAFCAYAAACNbyblAAAAHElEQVQI12P4//8/w+n8AAAAASUVORK5CYII= "Seoul National University Brain Society Social Memory Research")
The team further refined their findings by demonstrating that damage to this specific mPFC sub-region resulted in impaired social memory, while other cognitive functions remained intact.Participants with this type of damage struggled to remember details about individuals’ social standing or past interactions,even if they could recall factual information about them.
This isn’t simply about recognizing faces or names. The research highlights the brain’s ability to store and retrieve complex social information. Such as, participants could accurately recall whether someone was a friend or foe, their level of dominance within a group, and their reputation for honesty or deceit. These are crucial elements for successful social interaction.
Our findings suggest that the brain doesn’t treat social information as simply another type of memory. It’s processed and stored in a dedicated system, reflecting its basic importance for human survival and well-being.
the discovery of this dedicated social memory system has significant implications for understanding and treating a range of social and neurological disorders. Conditions like autism spectrum disorder, characterized by difficulties in social interaction and dialog, may stem from disruptions in this neural network. Similarly, the social deficits observed in schizophrenia could also be linked to impairments in social memory.
Researchers believe that further examination into this brain region could lead to the development of targeted therapies to improve social functioning in individuals with these conditions. Potential interventions could include cognitive training exercises designed to strengthen social memory circuits or pharmacological treatments aimed at enhancing neural activity in the mPFC.
Future Research and the Ever-Expanding Map of the Brain
While this research represents a major step forward, scientists emphasize that much remains to be learned about the intricacies of social memory.Future studies will focus on exploring how this system interacts with other brain regions involved in emotion, decision-making, and empathy. The team at Seoul National University plans to continue their work, investigating the neural mechanisms underlying social learning and the impact of social experiences on brain development. As of October 1, 2025, the research team is actively recruiting participants for follow-