DiscussionsTheory & Definitions
Aphantasia is NOT "Imagery Blindsight"
A recent article published in Psychology Today suggests aphantasia involves unconscious mental imagery and calls it “imagery blindsight” as opposed to a true lack of visual imagery. Blindsight is when there is neurological damage and the person is considered blind but they still have some sight although they are not consciously aware of it. The reasoning they are calling it imagery blindsight is because aphantasics score equally on cognitive tasks that are thought to require visual imagery. But they haven't considered we've had to adapt compensatory strategies our whole lives. I think this article is dismissive of our whole experience (or at least mine). Maybe I am too sensitive? What do you think?
What also really bothers me about this article is that my therapist sent it to me. This is the only article he ever sent me on aphantasia. I decided to go back to school to do aphantasia research and am currently applying to grad schools. I think I need a new therapist.
Wondered this too?
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