What happens to information in sensory memory that is not encoded?

In sensory memory, information is only retained for a very brief period, typically a fraction of a second to a few seconds, depending on the modality (e.g., visual or auditory). If this information is not encoded into short-term or long-term memory during this short retention period, it is lost. The process of encoding involves transforming sensory input into a format that can be stored and recalled later. Without this step, the fleeting impressions of sensory stimuli fade away quickly and are no longer accessible. Therefore, the information that is not encoded does not transition into any other form of memory and effectively disappears from one's awareness. This aligns with our understanding of sensory memory as a temporary holding space for information before it either gets encoded or dissipates completely.