Hey Matt, your approach to comparing visual imagery experiences to dreams is interesting. Though, dreaming and "seeing" mental images while awake are different. From what we understand currently, dreaming and mental imagery likely involve different brain networks. That's why, when determining if you have aphantasia or where you might fall on a visualization spectrum, it's best to compare to real seeing. How does your mind's eye compare to seeing that object before your eyes? Is it clear and lively, only somewhat clear and vivid, or are there no mental images at all? The other thing to keep in mind is that this is a very vast spectrum, with multiple factors that could influence how you might rate your internal experience. For example, familiarity with an object seems to play a role. If you're very familiar with let's say horses, this may impact how clear and lively you can "imagine" a horse. Whether the image is static or dynamic might also be a factor. Some can only imagine static images, while others can make the image move or rotate. Even where the visual imagery is experienced can differ among us. Some only see images in the back of their head "associators" while others can project those mental images into physical space "projectors." There are multiple dimensions and scenarios to consider when evaluating your internal experience. The true spectrum of mental imagery is much more expansive than "seeing" vs "not seeing." Here's the Aphantasia Guide that might be helpful in your exploration. It has some additional thought experiments you can try on yourself and with others: https://aphantasia.com/guide/.

Hey Matt, your approach to comparing visual imagery experiences to dreams is interesting. Though, dreaming and "seeing" mental images while awake are different. From what we understand currently, dreaming and mental imagery likely involve different brain networks. That's why, when determining if you have aphantasia or where you might fall on a visualization spectrum, it's best to compare to real seeing. How does your mind's eye compare to seeing that object before your eyes? Is it clear and lively, only somewhat clear and vivid, or are there no mental images at all? The other thing to keep in mind is that this is a very vast spectrum, with multiple factors that could influence how you might rate your internal experience. For example, familiarity with an object seems to play a role. If you're very familiar with let's say horses, this may impact how clear and lively you can "imagine" a horse. Whether the image is static or dynamic might also be a factor. Some can only imagine static images, while others can make the image move or rotate. Even where the visual imagery is experienced can differ among us. Some only see images in the back of their head "associators" while others can project those mental images into physical space "projectors." There are multiple dimensions and scenarios to consider when evaluating your internal experience. The true spectrum of mental imagery is much more expansive than "seeing" vs "not seeing." Here's the Aphantasia Guide that might be helpful in your exploration. It has some additional thought experiments you can try on yourself and with others: https://aphantasia.com/guide/.