Cortex September 2020 PMID 32446532

Phantasia-The psychological significance of lifelong visual imagery vividness extremes.

Adam Zeman, Fraser Milton, Sergio Della Sala, Michaela Dewar, Timothy Frayling, James Gaddum, Andrew Hattersley, Brittany Heuerman-Williamson, Kealan Jones, Matthew MacKisack, Crawford Winlove

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Mentions

173

Peak: 9 in Sep 2024

across 4 sources since May 2020

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AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions reveal a strong interest in understanding visual imagery, with comments like '¿Por qué tenemos imaginación?' and references to how aphantasia influences career paths and cognitive functions. The tone varies from curiosity to skepticism, with some linking the concept to mental health debates, showing how the article sparks thought-provoking debates across different perspectives.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most participants find the research intriguing and are somewhat convinced of its implications, though some remain skeptical about certain claims, such as the link between aphantasia and career choices.

InterestHigh interest

The topic of visual imagery and its psychological significance clearly captures curiosity, evidenced by multiple questions and comments highlighting the rarity or fascination of aphantasia.

EngagementModerate engagement

Discussions include references to related concepts, personal experiences, and links to additional resources, indicating moderate engagement with the subject matter.

ImpactModerate impact

While the conversations reflect interest and some depth, they do not suggest a transformative impact on their views or behavior, but they recognize the study's potential importance.

Abstract in brief

The text explains that visual imagery, which allows us to picture items in our mind, is important for memory, daydreaming, and creativity, and introduces the terms aphantasia (absence of visual imagery) and hyperphantasia (extremely vivid imagery).
Research with thousands of participants shows that people with aphantasia often work in scientific or mathematical fields, while those with hyperphantasia tend to be in creative professions; those with aphantasia may have more difficulty recognizing faces and remembering personal memories, whereas hyperphantasia is linked to synaesthesia.
Aphantasia can run in families and affects all senses, with about half of those affected lacking visual imagery during wakefulness but still experiencing vivid dreams, highlighting it as a widespread yet overlooked aspect of human experience.]

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All mentions

Understanding the Impact of Visual Imagery on Creativity and Memory

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Kok Bisa? · Jan 25, 2023 663,111 views

Understanding Imagination: Differentiating Reality from Fantasy

Explora el mundo de los sueños, la fantasía y la imaginación en este video. We discuss how humans use internal simulations for memory and decision-making, and how the brain distinguishes imagined experiences from…

CuriosaMente · Sep 22, 2024 369,500 views

Understanding Aphantasia and Its Impact on Creativity and Memory

This video explores aphantasia, the absence of visual imagery, and its relation to creativity and memory. Based on research involving thousands, it highlights how aphantasia and hyperphantasia influence cognitive…

Thiago Neurologia · Jun 15, 2023 350 views

T from E

@_unfort · X

@FERALTRANNY @tentionnun @justalexoki https://t.co/5rm1olyrPC Here you go. Read through this. Come back to me or don't, I don't care

Jan 25, 2025 · 12 followers View post →

Habib Ariel Coriat Harrar

@HabibArielC · X

|Habib Ariel Coriat Harrar| Conozco personas que me han dicho que son incapaces de imaginar. Todavía me cuesta pensar en eso, es... ¿Raro? Pensé que era algo nato de todo ser humano,¿tú lo sabías? ✨ ¿Por qué tenemos imaginación?

Oct 30, 2024 · 32 followers View post →

Darwin De La Encina

@Darwin_Encina · X

✨ ¿Por qué tenemos imaginación?

Sep 30, 2024 · 1,102 followers View post →

DanielStudios (Commissions Open)

@DanStuOrg · X