The study explores the relationship between negative emotions and memory vividness in the context of the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake in Türkiye. It compares flashbulb memories and emotional reactions in individuals who directly experienced the earthquake (n = 26) and those exposed through media (n = 26). Results revealed no significant difference in memory vividness or emotional intensity between groups, suggesting that indirect exposure can evoke emotions comparable to direct experiences. Additionally, no meaningful correlation was found between emotional reactions and flashbulb memory scores. Limitations, including a small sample size, highlight the need for further research on emotional memory dynamics.