Aphantasia

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What is Aphantasia?

Understanding the mind that thinks without pictures—you're not alone in this experience.

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A comprehensive guide for those who have just discovered they might have aphantasia.

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Latest from the Network

Discover the latest insights, discussions, and research from our vibrant aphantasia community.

Mental imagery abilities in different modalities moderate the efficacy of cognitive bias modification for interpretation bias in social anxiety

CBM-I helps reduce social anxiety by altering interpretation biases. Those with strong mental imagery abilities, especially in emotional feelings, benefit most. This internet-based training shows promise as a low-intensity intervention for social anxiety, highlighting the importance of mental imagery in its effectiveness.

Lam, C. L., Hin, A. S., Lau, L. N., Zhang, Z., & Leung, C. J. (2025). Mental imagery abilities in different modalities moderate the efficacy of cognitive bias modification for interpretation bias in social anxiety. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 88, 102031. doi:10.1016/j.jbtep.2025.102031

26 days ago

Article

The Shape of Things Unseen: A Review of Adam Zeman's Book (Part 1)

The neurologist who identified aphantasia shows how we construct reality through imagination in his new book. As someone with aphantasia, I, Hollis Robbins, found his insights both validating and illuminating. Blending neuroscience, poetry, and poignant case studies, Zeman shows that imagination—visual or not—is central to human experience. This thoughtful, timely book reveals why our capacity to imagine remains one of humanity’s most defining traits.

about 1 month agoby Hollis Robbins

Reference

Why indecisive trials matter: Improving the binocular rivalry imagery priming score for the assessment of aphantasia

A new method for measuring mental imagery strength has been developed, improving on an existing binocular rivalry task. This enhanced approach better predicts individuals' self-reported imagery capacity, especially for those with aphantasia, a condition where people struggle to visualize images. The new scoring system is more reliable and effective for future research.

Monzel, M., Scholz, C. O., Pearson, J., & Reuter, M. (2025). Why indecisive trials matter: improving the binocular rivalry imagery priming score for the assessment of aphantasia. Behavior Research Methods, 57(9). doi:10.3758/s13428-025-02780-6

about 2 months ago

Reference

Aphantasia does not affect veridical and false memory: Evidence from the DRM paradigm

Aphantasia, a reduced ability to form mental images, doesn't affect the creation of false memories in verbal tasks. People with higher visual imagery might recall more but also make more errors. Aphantasia doesn't shield against false memories, suggesting visual tasks may be needed for further study.

Pauly-Takacs, K., Younus, S., Sigala, N., & Pfeifer, G. (2025). Aphantasia does not affect veridical and false memory: evidence from the drm paradigm. Consciousness and Cognition, 133, 103888. doi:10.1016/j.concog.2025.103888

about 2 months ago

Article

Thinking in Pictures Isn’t All That: We Are All Beautifully Unique

What was your reaction when you first discovered others were thinking in pictures while you weren't? This jarring revelation led designer Shane Williams on a 25-year journey exploring cognitive differences. His research shows that studying and embracing how differently we all think opens up new worlds of patience, understanding, and acceptance.

about 2 months agoby Shane Williams

Survey

Big Five Inventory (BFI‑44)

Discover how imagination might shape personality.

2 months ago

7 responses

Discussion

(Hypotesis) Could be acquired hyperfantasy the cause of diagnose of schizophrenic or psychotic disorders?

2 months agoOriol

Could acquired hyperfantasy contribute to psychotic disorders, blurring the line between reality and imagination? Let's explore this perspective.

Survey

Plymouth Sensory Imagery Questionnaire

Discover the vividness of your sensory imagination.

2 months ago

8.95K responses

Discussion

Aphantasia and Dreams

3 months agoStephen

Lucid dreams can transform perception—sharing experiences of vivid imagery in dreams despite challenges in waking visualization.

Video

The Shape of Things Unseen: Conversation with Dr. Adam Zeman On The New Science of Imagination

What if everything you thought you knew about creativity was wrong? The scientist who discovered aphantasia unveils the "new science of imagination" and explains why visualization might not be essential to human creativity.

5 months ago

Video

The Language Problem: How Simple Word Changes Make Therapy Work for Aphantasia

One key barrier to effective anxiety treatment for people with aphantasia isn't the therapy itself—it's the words therapists use. New study reveals that imaginal exposure therapy can be effective for people with aphantasia when therapists adjust their approach.

6 months ago

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Why Your Mind Works This Way

Everything you wished someone had told you about having aphantasia. You'll finally understand why you think differently, discover your unique strengths, and learn practical strategies that actually work for your brain.

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Visualization Test

What Do You Actually See When You Visualize?

Think of a horse—really try to picture one. Now adjust this image to match what appeared in your mind. The results might shock you.

How Others Visualize

From crystal clear to completely blank—everyone's different

Adjust Your Visualization

Blurriness0px

How sharp or blurry is your mental image?

Contrast100%

How vivid are the differences between light and dark?

Color Saturation100%

How vibrant are the colors in your visualization?

Opacity100%

How clear or faded is your mental image?

Brightness100%

How bright or dim is your visualization?

Hue Shift0deg

Do colors appear different than expected?

Grayscale0%

How much color do you see versus black and white?

Invert Colors0%

Do colors appear inverted or negative?

Vignette0%

How much do the edges fade into darkness?

How Others Visualize

From crystal clear to completely blank—everyone's different

Adjust Your Visualization

Blurriness0px

How sharp or blurry is your mental image?

Contrast100%

How vivid are the differences between light and dark?

Color Saturation100%

How vibrant are the colors in your visualization?

Opacity100%

How clear or faded is your mental image?

Brightness100%

How bright or dim is your visualization?

Hue Shift0deg

Do colors appear different than expected?

Grayscale0%

How much color do you see versus black and white?

Invert Colors0%

Do colors appear inverted or negative?

Vignette0%

How much do the edges fade into darkness?

Did you know? About 4% of people have aphantasia and experience little to no mental imagery. This tool helps visualize the spectrum of mental imagery experiences.

Imagination Doesn't Need Pictures. Join a Network of Image-Free Thinkers.

Start your journey of discovery

What is Aphantasia?

I Think I Have Aphantasia

Take the Aphantasia Test

Find Support

Explore Content

Latest from the Network

Recent Posts

Mental imagery abilities in different modalities moderate the efficacy of cognitive bias modification for interpretation bias in social anxiety

The Shape of Things Unseen: A Review of Adam Zeman's Book (Part 1)

Why indecisive trials matter: Improving the binocular rivalry imagery priming score for the assessment of aphantasia

Aphantasia does not affect veridical and false memory: Evidence from the DRM paradigm