Before we start off with today’s image illusion, be warned that you should not be trying this one if you have a headache. It will only make it worse. Otherwise, this optical illusion is going to make you squint hard to figure it out.
The Cause Of Optical Illusions
According to Vox, optical illusions like this image work because they teach us about the imperfect reality that our brain creates. Patrick Cavanaugh, a neuroscientist, says:
“It’s really important to understand we’re not seeing reality. We’re seeing a story that’s being created for us.”
So optical illusions pose a very interesting question: how to determine what is real? There is a whole branch of science known as perception science that is all about determining how real are the things we perceive.
But what does that have to do with optical illusions? Well, Resnick says that we do not see reality. Rather, our vision runs about 100 milliseconds behind the actual world. In that time, our brains process what the eyes sense, and convey a story – this story is our reality.
But since our sensory systems do not actively represent the immediate reality, our brain tries to predict events. Without this prediction, our coordination, we would never be able to do quick actions like hitting baseballs. This is the place where optical illusions like this image work.
Optical illusions play trick this predictive pattern of the brain into painting a reality that does not actually exist. However, it can only work once. The brain predicts events based on past experiences. So once it learns of the misdirection, it will know how to see the actual image.
The Image Behind Bars
Today’s image illusion has left many of its viewers dazed. If you are able to spot it in one go, then your eyes and brain are something special. So here is the tweet containing the puzzle:
The answer is easy, there’s a cat hidden there. But you have to follow the directions in the tweet to see it. Otherwise, no matter how hard you try, you will not be able to see it.
In this case, the image also makes use of light to hide the image apart from the predictive pattern. So, how fast did you manage to see the image? If you enjoyed it, be sure to share it with others.
Want to check out some other illusions? Look no further:
- 12 Illusions That Might Make You Question Your Own Eyes
- Folks Are Debating What This Image Really Shows — See If You Can Figure It Out
- How Many Animals Are Hidden In This Picture? Only 1% Of People Can Find Them All
- Can You Find an Actual Needle Hidden in a Haystack?
Sources
- ““Reality” is constructed by your brain. Here’s what that means, and why it matters.” VOX. Brian Resnick. Jun 22, 2020.
