Research
The Phenomenology of Offline Perception: Multisensory Profiles of Voluntary Mental Imagery and Dream Imagery
This recent study by Bilzer and Monzel investigates the relationship between voluntary mental imagery and dream imagery as forms of "offline perception." Surveying 226 participants, researchers found these systems operate distinctly yet share neural connections. Dream imagery featured more vivid emotional and visual content due to dreams' immersive nature, while voluntary imagery was richer in auditory, olfactory, gustatory, and tactile experiences, likely from greater conscious control. People with frequent dream recall or lucid dreaming experiences showed stronger connections between these systems, suggesting metacognition creates bridges between otherwise separate networks. Notably for the aphantasia community, the study mentions that while about 26% of aphantasics report complete absence of multisensory imagery while awake, many still experience dream imagery, though less frequently and vividly than others. This supports the understanding that voluntary imagery and dream imagery rely on different neural mechanisms—a distinction particularly evident in the aphantasic experience.