Though the induced false memories are attributable to "source monitoring
errors" (i.e. not realizing an invalid source), there is another, more
prevalent, side to the "source monitoring error" problem; poor quality
sources. For example, a poor quality "news" source (or intentionally
biased "news" source) can easily influence and manipulate both your
perspective on and memory of particular events.<p>As far as I know, there has never been a "perfectly accurate, factual,
and unbiased" news source, so the learned skill of "source monitoring"
is vitally important to maintaining a well-informed perspective. From
the paper, children are more susceptible to intentional influence and
false suggestions, but even as adults, we're still susceptible.