11 astounding optical illusions that drive you crazy

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Our brains are smarter than many computers, but at the same time they are so easily tricked. Don't believe me? Check it out for yourself!

1. Oblique straight lines

At first glance, it seems that the blue lines definitely slope relative to each other. In fact, they are strictly parallel, and the deceptive effect is created by the combination of colors. You can check this by looking at the picture, squinting a little and squinting your eyes.

2. Confetti

All the circles in this photo are the same color, but it seems to us that they are painted in different tones. In fact, the only difference is the colored lines that surround them. The whole secret is in them.

3. Rice waves

Do you think this is a GIF? But no! This is a simple static picture, and all the movement on it is created in your head. Chiaroscuro and drops lined up in regular rows trigger the illusion of movement in the brain. By the way, about 5% of people are not susceptible to it. Write in the comments if you are among them.

4. Inclined road

It looks like there are two photos of the street in the picture from different angles. It is actually the same image copied twice. The brain is fooled by curbs that look parallel in the photo, which in reality can only be if you look at the road from a large angle.

5. Color-changing square

You probably already realized that a piece of paper that is moved in the photo does not change color, although this impression is created. And this happens because of the black and white gradient background, forcing the brain to perceive the shade of the square differently.

6. A decreasing circle

The circles on this-g.webp

7. Waves from segments

When you look at this gif, there is no doubt that the blue and red segments change length, as if pulsing in waves. This is not true. They have the same length, and the catch lies in the moving arms of the arrows, which confuse our perception.

8. Train illusion

Look closely at the picture. Is the train going into the tunnel or, on the contrary, leaving it? You will be surprised, but there is no correct answer! It all depends on how you look. With a little practice, you can even learn how to steer a train, forcing it to move in the right direction.

9. Rotating bearings

Another brain-breaking-g.webp

The illusion is based on the difference in the perception of movement when the object is in the center or at the edge of peripheral vision.

10. Whirling dancers

Is the girl in the center spinning clockwise or counterclockwise? It all depends on which part of the picture you were looking at before. If first to the left, then the girl in the center will spin clockwise, and if to the right, then vice versa, counterclockwise. The direction of movement depends on this. Why - you already know.

11. Starry night

And finally, the coolest illusion. The famous painting by Van Gogh is static, and there is not the slightest hint of movement in it. But look for 30 seconds at the spinning spirals from above and then move your gaze to Starry Night. Great, isn't it?

The essence of this illusion is in the post-effect of motion. When we look at the spirals for a long time, the visual system begins to compensate for movement in order to reduce this predictable stimulus.

But, if you immediately look at a static picture, the brain will continue to send signals to compensate for movement for some time, despite the fact that it is no longer there. As a result, the illusion of rotation in the opposite direction is created.