1 definition by Allie Christine
The Ron Don Phenomenon is a memory error that occurs when you mix up two similar pieces of information despite intentionally memorizing the correct answer at an earlier time.
Due to the easy confusion of the two items, you explicitly tell yourself the correct piece of information, as if cementing it in your brain. However, when trying to recall the information later, you can't remember which of the two items you foregrounded as the correct answer.
The crux of the Ron Don Phenomenon is the fact that you insist that you will remember the correct piece of information but precisely fail to do so at a later time.
Due to the easy confusion of the two items, you explicitly tell yourself the correct piece of information, as if cementing it in your brain. However, when trying to recall the information later, you can't remember which of the two items you foregrounded as the correct answer.
The crux of the Ron Don Phenomenon is the fact that you insist that you will remember the correct piece of information but precisely fail to do so at a later time.
"I used to have a bus driver who told us his name at the start of every school year, and, every year, I'd forget whether his name was Ron or Don. When the next year came around, I was sure that I'd remember this time. But not soon after, I'd forget again. It's the Ron Don Phenomenon!"
by Allie Christine August 18, 2022