What can happen to memories in both short-term and long-term memory according to interference theory?

Interference theory suggests that memories can become less accessible due to the interference of other information. This is particularly relevant for both short-term and long-term memory, where newly learned material can create overlaps with previously stored information, leading to confusion or distortion. When new information is learned, it can interfere with the retrieval of existing memories or the formation of new memories, causing the older information to become harder to recall. Thus, interference can occur in both types of memory, demonstrating how interconnected our memory systems are and how new experiences can shape or hinder our recollection of past experiences.