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What the research says
Aphantasia and Hyperphantasia: What We Know After a Decade of Research
Since 2015, "aphantasia" has reshaped our understanding of imagination, revealing that not everyone visualizes mentally. This discovery, along with "hyperphantasia," highlights the diverse nature of human imagination.
Tom Ebeyer · May 2024
What the research says
How Aphantasia Affects Memory: Research Reveals Why Remembering the Past Is Challenging
New research from the University of Bonn reveals how aphantasia affects memory, particularly when remembering the past. The study of 30 participants found that people with aphantasia experience significant challenges in recalling autobiographical memories.
Tom Ebeyer · March 2024
Something to try
Can't Visualize An Apple? Try This Apple Illusion to Experience What Others See
This apple illusion allows people who can't visualize to temporarily 'see' an image that isn't there—using visual perception to demonstrate what others experience through their imagination.
Aphantasia Network · October 2023
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Rethinking Hyperphantasia: Why "Extreme" Mental Imagery Might Be Two Different Phenomena
February 2024
Research
2026
Imaginary Presence—Merleau-Ponty and Mental Imagery
Deery · Phenomenology and the Cognitive Sciences
Researchers propose that mental imagery is a modulation of bodily orientation rather than a neural simulation. This suggests aphantasia is a specific inability to willfully conjure sensory-like presence through this bodily imagination.
2026
Imagery in affective and neurodevelopmental conditions: an insula-based interoceptive framework
Kvamme, Nagai and Silvanto · Trends Open
Researchers found that mental imagery and emotion share a common generative substrate in the brain's interoceptive system. This suggests imagery disturbances across various conditions are direct consequences of underlying interoceptive dysfunction.
2026
Seeing without eyes: Relation between visual mental imagery and visual hallucinations
Panigutti and colleagues · Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews
This systematic review found only 11 studies on imagery and hallucinations in Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and schizophrenia, and none in Lewy body dementia. Seven reported a link and four did not, so the evidence is indecisive.
2026
The perspective-simulating mind: internal representations in moral judgment and action
Ernst, Kronbichler and Meyer · Scientific Reports
Researchers found that imagining a moral dilemma from a third-person perspective is linked to higher acceptability of harmful actions. This suggests visual perspective, not just vividness, helps shape how we make moral decisions.
From the community
What is "mental image" in visualization section
How do we define "mental image" in visualization, and how does personal interpretation affect generated images?
Victor · · 1 reply
Marketing designed for Neurotypicals
Marketing often targets neurotypicals, leaving others feeling misled. How can we create strategies that resonate with diverse cognitive experiences?
Josh · · 2 replies
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21 questions
Interoceptive Attention Scale
A self-report measure of attention towards internal bodily sensations.
21 questions
Interoceptive Accuracy Scale
Understanding your beliefs about how accurately you perceive your body's signals.