Can you outsmart the brain?: A TikToker's optical illusion puzzle that 95% fail to solve
Are you fond of puzzles and brain-teasers? If so, this observation test is perfect for you. You might be unaware that it serves as a form of brain training, sharpening your senses and enhancing your logical thinking skills. Such exercises are worth your while from time to time, especially in a world that tends to deliver all information ready-made. Through the following test, you can also verify whether you have a keen eye.
6:22 PM EST, December 18, 2023
How many "Fs" can you spot in the picture?
At first glance, the picture reveals five lines of the letter "E". However, upon careful observation, the elusive letter "F" appears nestled among them. While it might strain your eyes to the extreme—maybe even causing brief dizziness—, the lost letter will soon become apparent.
The optical illusion is thanks to the creativity of a TikToker by the pseudonym @bballmagician717. He wanted to challenge the perceptiveness of his viewers with this brain-teaser. So, how many Fs are hidden in the picture? According to him, 95% of viewers fail to identify the correct answer. Can you?
The illusion is a clever bid to deceive the brain. Amidst a plethora of symbols, pinpointing all the outliers becomes challenging. The swiftest responses, those given just seconds after viewing the image, often reflect one's level of observation. Have you figured out the correct answer yet? If you didn't come up with the number five, perhaps you should take another look at the graphic.
The potent impact of optical illusions on our minds
Have you ever wondered why seemingly ordinary images can profoundly impact our minds? It's because specific shapes, colors, or the arrangement of elements can distort our brain's perception. As a result, we might see something that doesn't exist. Such distortions in our perception are normal, and it doesn't mean there's something wrong with us. Despite its imperfections, our brain can still turn these distortions into mind-stimulating experiences. Artists who glean inspiration from their surroundings provide an excellent example.
Optical illusions come in various forms, but we can categorize them into several main groups: irradiation, geometric illusions, brightness/color illusions, ambiguous figures, and impossible figures. Each type can make our brain misinterpret what we see, making them an excellent way to train our observational and logical thinking skills.