Final answer:
Source amnesia is the term used to describe when an individual retains information but forgets the source, leading to a diminishing impact on the credibility of that information over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that refers to the idea that consumers forget the source of information over time, therefore diminishing the impact of its credibility, is known as source amnesia. Source amnesia is when we retain the memory of the information but forget the context or origin from which it came. Over time, as the memory fades, the credibility of the source becomes less significant to the individual.
Long-term memory uniquely stores an immense amount of information, but may sometimes fail us with the specifics of where or from whom we acquired certain knowledge or beliefs. The reliability of memory can be questioned as we often tend to merge or distort the source of the information we remember through processes like misattribution or develop beliefs based on repeated assertions, rather than accurate recollections. These effects also demonstrate the complex nature of how memories are stored, accessed, and potentially altered over time.
It is crucial for individuals to recognize the potential for source amnesia when drawing from long-held beliefs or when citing information that lacks a readily identifiable origin. Knowing this can help in evaluating the credibility of one's own knowledge, especially in settings where accuracy is paramount.