How I Perceive Aphantasia

I first learned about this concept during my college years.

It was a time when I was exposed to a vast amount of information through YouTube.

“YouTube contains a lot of unverified information.”
But at the same time,
“YouTube contains a lot of information.”

Moreover, due to the influence of algorithms, it continuously provides information that aligns with my interests.
This can lead to biased thinking, so I need to be cautious.
However, if used wisely, I see it as a tremendous opportunity.

At some point, amid the waves of algorithm-driven content, a particular video caught my attention:
“Aphantasia Syndrome,” “Visual Agnosia,” “The Inability to Imagine.”

After watching the video, I became interested and started researching this concept in various places.

It turned out to be a relatively recent discovery and a real condition.

I have Aphantasia.

Since I have Aphantasia, I cannot imagine what it is like not to have it.
Conversely, someone without Aphantasia cannot imagine what it is like to be me.

Even the term “Aphantasia” was created by people,
and there is no way to prove that this concept truly exists.
I am simply aware of the concept through extensive research.

After learning about this concept, moments in my life that once felt strange started making sense.

For example:
Counting sheep to fall asleep,
Thinking of a loved one,
Movie scenes where characters describe a criminal’s composite sketch?

If what I’m saying doesn’t make any sense to you,
then you do not have Aphantasia.
If you understand even a little, there’s a chance you might have it.

This is not something special.
It’s just an interesting story for me.

#Aphantasia
#YouKnowWhatIMean?

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Hope you’re reading this, I’m trying to find someone to talk about our aphantasia. For me it’s hard to explain, I mean I am able to imagine things like counting sheep and other things, BUT those are not real visual images… I tried to describe it to my girlfriend a few minutes ago, and failed miserably, it feels like I am turning thoughts into a pseudo image – but it’s not like really seeing stuff – there are really detailed scenes, objects or people but they are not truly visual. It might be hard to understand, I am able to enter those scenes, “look” around and explore those details, but it’s not like a real visual picture… Are you able to relate to this or am I experiencing another subtype of aphantasia?

My experience is very similar to yours. Images, lines, colors, or even blobs are nonexistant. Its like I can sense the “shadow” of the object in space. Like smoke in fog, there is somehow a difference but everything is gray.