Have you ever tried to count the windows in your house without actually walking around? Most people can imagine each room and count the windows in their minds. But did you know that not everyone can do this? Some people have a unique condition called aphantasia, which affects their ability to visualize images in their minds.
Aphantasia is a condition where a person cannot create mental images. While most people can read a book and imagine the scenes described, those with aphantasia see nothing in their mind’s eye. This condition was first noticed in 1880, but it wasn’t given a name until 2015 by Dr. Adam Zeman. The term “aphantasia” combines “a-” meaning “without” and “phantasia” meaning “imagination.”
Dr. Zeman and his team began studying aphantasia in 2003 when a 65-year-old man, known as MX, reported losing his ability to visualize after heart surgery. Through various tests, including brain scans, researchers found that while MX’s brain functioned normally when looking at pictures, it showed no activity in the visual areas when he tried to imagine them.
Creating mental images involves several parts of the brain. The frontal and parietal lobes help decide what to visualize, while the occipital and temporal lobes create the images. If any of these areas work differently or are damaged, it can result in aphantasia.
MX’s case was rare until it was featured in a magazine, leading others to share similar experiences. Some people with aphantasia thought that when asked to “picture” something, it was just a figure of speech. Biologist Craig Venter, who has aphantasia, compares it to a computer without a screen—there’s memory and processing, but no visual output. Similarly, programmer Blake Ross recalls facts about a beach instead of visualizing it.
Despite the challenges, people with aphantasia often adapt well. MX, for example, showed increased brain activity in other areas when asked to visualize and could solve puzzles that required mental rotation. In a study of 21 people with aphantasia, 14 could still count the windows in their house by using other methods. People with aphantasia can lead normal lives and work in various fields, from engineering to the arts.
It’s estimated that around 2 to 3 percent of the population might have aphantasia, but the actual number could be higher. Many people don’t realize they have it until they learn about it through articles or videos.
Whether or not you can visualize things, you might enjoy learning how things are made. Shows like “How It’s Made” are fascinating and available on the Science Go App. For those interested in learning more about how the mind works, there are also topics like hallucinations to explore.
After reading this, do you think you might have aphantasia? It’s possible that around 2% of people do! Feel free to share your thoughts and continue exploring the wonders of the mind.
Try to visualize a simple object, like an apple, in your mind. Describe what you see to a partner. If you have aphantasia, discuss how you might describe an apple using other senses or memories instead.
Without moving from your seat, try to count the windows in your house. If you find it difficult to visualize, use logical reasoning or memory to estimate the number. Share your method with the class.
In groups, role-play how different parts of the brain contribute to creating mental images. Assign roles for the frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal lobes, and act out how they work together or what happens when one part doesn’t function as expected.
Research a famous person who has aphantasia, like Craig Venter or Blake Ross. Create a short presentation about how they have adapted to their condition and succeeded in their field.
Write a short story or comic strip from the perspective of someone with aphantasia. Focus on how they experience the world differently and the unique ways they solve problems or enjoy creative activities.
Here’s a sanitized version of the provided YouTube transcript:
—
Some people have different ways of imagining things. Hey everyone, Jules here for DNews. If I asked you to count the windows in your house right now without getting up, you’d probably have no problem recounting them all, unless you live in a glass house, in which case you might just have one large window.
When you’re counting the windows, can you visualize each room? Do you feel as though you’re standing in your kitchen or your living room as you count them? That’s the experience most people have, but for a small percentage, that’s not the case. This may be the first time you’re learning that your brain works differently.
Some individuals have a condition known as aphantasia, which affects their ability to visualize. While others can read a book and imagine a magical world, those with aphantasia “see” nothing. This condition was first identified in 1880 but didn’t receive a name until 2015. Dr. Adam Zeman is the researcher who coined the term aphantasia, where “a-” means “without” and “phantasia” refers to imagination.
Zeman and his colleagues began studying this phenomenon in 2003 when a 65-year-old man approached them, stating he had lost the ability to visualize after heart surgery. This patient, given the codename MX, provided a unique opportunity for research. Zeman and his team conducted various tests, including brain scans while the patient looked at pictures and was asked to name them. Everything appeared normal until he was asked to visualize their faces, at which point the visual areas in his brain showed no activity.
Creating a mental image involves multiple regions of the brain. The frontal and parietal lobes help you think about what you want to see, while the occipital and temporal lobes provide the visuals. If any of these areas function differently or are damaged, it can lead to aphantasia.
MX’s case was rare until his story was featured in Discover Magazine, prompting readers to share their own experiences of never being able to visualize. Some of them were just realizing they were different. They had thought that when someone asked them to “picture” something, it was a metaphor, not a literal request.
Biologist Craig Venter, who has aphantasia, describes it as a computer without a screen—there’s memory and processing, but no visual output. Similarly, programmer Blake Ross notes that when he thinks of a beach, he doesn’t hear the waves or feel the warmth; he just recalls facts about beaches.
Despite the challenges, people with aphantasia often find ways to adapt. MX showed increased brain activity in his frontal regions when asked to picture faces and could solve puzzles that typically require mental rotation. Zeman surveyed 21 individuals with this condition and found that 14 could still count the windows in their house. Because they can work around their lack of visuals, people with aphantasia lead normal lives and can be found in various professions, from engineering to the arts.
Estimates suggest that around 2 to 3 percent of the population may have aphantasia, but the actual number could be higher, as many individuals don’t realize they are different until it’s pointed out to them. Sometimes, all it takes is a news article or a video like this one to help them understand.
Whether or not you can visualize things, you might be interested in how things are made. I enjoy watching shows like “How It’s Made.” You can check that out and other Science Channel shows on the Science Go App, available for free at your local app store.
For those who can’t picture things, others may experience more than they intend to. If you want to learn more about hallucinations, Trace and Julian cover that topic as well. After watching this, are any of you realizing you might have aphantasia? Technically, around 2% of you might! Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to like and subscribe for more DNews every day of the week.
—
This version maintains the original content while removing any informal language or potentially sensitive phrases.
Aphantasia – A condition where a person is unable to visualize images in their mind. – Some people with aphantasia find it difficult to picture their favorite places or faces in their mind.
Imagination – The ability to form new ideas or images in the mind that are not present to the senses. – Using her imagination, she created a story about a world where animals could talk.
Brain – The organ in our head that controls thoughts, memory, emotions, and actions. – The brain is like a computer that processes all the information we receive every day.
Visualize – To form a mental image of something; to imagine. – Before the big game, the coach asked the players to visualize themselves winning.
Images – Pictures or representations of things in the mind. – When reading a book, she often creates vivid images of the characters and settings in her mind.
Mental – Related to the mind or cognitive processes. – Solving puzzles is a great way to keep your mental skills sharp.
Activity – An action or task that requires effort or energy. – Physical activity is important for both mental and physical health.
People – Human beings, especially considered as a group. – People often share their thoughts and feelings with friends and family.
Condition – A particular state of being, especially related to health or well-being. – Aphantasia is a condition that affects how some people experience mental imagery.
Science – The study of the natural world through observation and experiments. – Science helps us understand how the brain works and how it affects our behavior.
