Welcome to the intriguing world of mental imagery! When I watch a movie based on the book I read: “Wait, that’s not how I pictured it when I read the book!”
It's fascinating to consider the world of mental imagery. As we read, most of us effortlessly conjure up vivid mental pictures, as if a movie is playing in our heads. Meanwhile, others may feel like they're simply reading a script without any accompanying visuals. It's incredible how the same words can elicit such different experiences for each reader. Most people (including me) when they read about a character, might see that character’s face, hair, body posture, surroundings, and even the tiniest details—the mischievous smile as the corner of their lips curl up, the glint in their eyes, the style and color of their clothes, and the way they lift their arm or nervously tap their foot. However, not everyone experiences reading this way. Some people, about 2-5% of the population, have what’s called aphantasia. It’s like their mind’s eye is not able to form a mental image of what they’re reading. Imagine you’re reading a book, and the author describes a comfortably lit living room with a crackling fireplace and an inviting plush sofa with fluffy throw pillows. The character is relaxing on the sofa with a drink in his hand. You can almost hear the ice cubes clinking to the glass and taste the sour whiskey on your tongue. People with aphantasia won’t see that room and character in their minds, they focus on the words they’re reading and understand the concept of a living room without any visual images. Whether you’re a visual or aphantasic reader, you can enjoy reading a book in your own way. |