Amongst hundreds of science-fiction television series, Apple TV’s Severance shines through with a creative and original concept: what if we could surgically separate our work and home memories?
The series follows Mark Scout, who recently lost his job as a history professor and has to grapple with the horrific loss of his beloved wife. Through desperation to ease his pain, he makes a controversial decision to undergo a procedure called severance. After a simple, non-invasive surgery, Mark now has two “identities.” One identity, known as “Innie” Mark, is only conscious when he is at work, refining data at Lumon Industries, a biotechnology company. The other identity, “Outie” Mark, is only conscious outside of work, where he is forced to deal with the tragedies of his life.
We asked Dr. Mark Cembrowski, Associate Professor in the Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, whose main research focus is on memory and cognition, to share his insights on the realism of the series.
What is the severance procedure?
The severance procedure is a fictional brain procedure, pioneered and conducted by the fictional biotechnology company, Lumon. The procedure consists of a chip implant in the brain, dividing a person’s consciousness into two distinct versions: an “Innie,” which is conscious and can form memories during work, and an “Outie,” which is conscious and can form memories before and after work. Neither version is able to access the other version’s memories.
Though it is not explicitly stated in the series, Dr. Vijay Agarwal, who is a neurosurgeon and a consultant on Severance, noted in an interview that the severance chip is placed on the left side of the brain, between two brain structures: the hippocampus (essential in processing memory) and the amygdala (essential in processing strong emotions). However, this location is not rooted in complete realism.
“Based upon current neuroscientific knowledge, there really isn’t one place in the brain that a chip could act to sever consciousness, given that memories tend to change their location in the brain as a function of time and experience,” Dr. Cembrowski explains.
Memory in forming identity
Looking beyond the logistics of the fictional procedure, Severance analyzes the importance of memory in forming our identities.
It raises an intriguing question: are “Innies” and “Outies” still the same person if their memories are separated? Some argue that “Innies” and “Outies” represent two distinct identities because each can only access and create their own memories separately, and memories are a fundamental part of identity. Others argue that the two remain the same person due to the fact that they share the same physical body.
Though there is no definitive answer to this question, Dr. Cembrowski explains that memory is incredibly crucial in forming one’s identity, but it does not capture the entire picture of human consciousness.
“Memory is often viewed as the cornerstone of identity, with philosopher John Locke arguing that people are defined by their consciousness and memories rather than by their physical bodies,” Dr. Cembrowski explains. “However, it’s important to note that this explanation cannot fully explain our identity. For example, infancy is typically marked by childhood amnesia but nonetheless is an incredibly important period for establishing our identity.”
Even though an “Innie” and an “Outie” share a body, the two have distinctly different experiences that shape their personas. For example, “Outie” Mark is consumed with grieving his late wife, while “Innie” Mark has no memory of it, and is not aware of anything other than what occurs at work. He is able to experience joy and is quite enthusiastic about his coworkers and his job.
The severance procedure only separates autobiographical memory (memories that shape a person’s life history), while leaving other forms of memories, such as procedural or motor-based memory intact. As a result, an “Innie” can still perform learned skills, like holding a pen. Because not all types of memories are severed after the procedure, one could argue that “Innies” and “Outies” remain the same individual.
“Although many people view autobiographical memory as central to identity, it’s important to recognize that many other memory processes also contribute to shaping who we are,” Dr. Cembrowski notes. “For example, motor memories, like riding a bike, are not considered autobiographical memories, but they are still essential to how we navigate and experience our daily lives. Therefore, our autobiographical memories form a core part of our identity, but they do not solely determine who we are.”
Is Severance realistic?
One reason why Severance resonates with a vast audience is because it displays a real and very human psychological experience: compartmentalization of emotions. This defense mechanism allows one to separate overwhelming thoughts and feelings into categories to better manage them. Though the series captures an extreme and fictional version of compartmentalization, the underlying meaning is still present. Humans wish to block painful memories and escape them if we can.
Although it is currently possible to implant electrodes to stimulate the brain and treat conditions such as depression and Parkinson’s disease, a severance procedure for memories is not realistic, and likely will not be in the near future, according to Dr. Cembrowski.
“It’s a cool idea but very far away from anything plausible from a neuroscience perspective,” he explains. “There is certainly evidence that different forms of memory are located in different parts of the brain, but the idea that having two different autobiographical memory steams that are completely inaccessible to one another is not supported by any current scientific rationale.”
Even if the severance procedure is possible in the future, it would raise important questions about the role of painful memories in shaping who we are. Difficult memories, alongside positive ones, help us to learn and grow. Together, these memories contribute to what makes us human.
Photo credits: Apple TV Press
