Chapter 1: The Nature of Aphantasia

Imagine attempting to envision the face of a cherished friend, a memorable scene from your favorite novel, or a moment from your past while your eyes are closed. For many, this is an effortless endeavor. However, for others, it remains an unattainable task, leaving them in complete darkness when they attempt to conjure images in their minds.

This phenomenon is known as aphantasia, a condition that affects approximately 3% to 4% of the population, hindering their ability to create any form of visual imagery. Aphantasia is not classified as a disorder or impairment but rather as a variant of human cognition that is not entirely understood.

The term "aphantasia" was first introduced by Francis Galton in 1880 but gained significant attention in 2015 due to a study conducted by Adam Zeman and his team at the University of Exeter. They derived the name from Greek words meaning “without” and “phantasy.”

Photo by Dan Dimmock on Unsplash

One method to determine if someone experiences aphantasia is through the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire (VVIQ), established by David Marks in 1973. This questionnaire prompts individuals to assess how vividly they can imagine various scenarios, such as a sunset or a friend’s face.

Dr. Adam Zeman, honorary professor of neurology at the University of Exeter with extensive research on aphantasia, states, “Aphantasia is the inability to experience visual imagery when contemplating things that are not present.” Individuals with aphantasia often struggle to visualize characters or settings while reading, and may find it challenging to recall the faces of loved ones who have passed away.

Scores on the VVIQ are typically very low for those with aphantasia, suggesting they possess minimal or no visual imagery. Additionally, some individuals with this condition may face challenges with other sensory imagery, including auditory or tactile experiences.

People with aphantasia often process thoughts and memories differently than those who visualize. For instance, Amy, who has aphantasia, expressed, “I don’t see anything in my head. It’s just black. I can’t even fathom what it’s like to visualize something.” She relies on verbal cues and factual information to help her remember.

Tom, another individual with aphantasia, mentioned, “I think in words and concepts rather than pictures. I can still remember things, but not visually. My dreams are not vivid. I enjoy books and films, but I don’t become fully immersed in them.”

Despite the challenges posed by aphantasia, it does not hinder creativity or imagination. Niel Kenmuir, an artist with aphantasia, stated, “Creativity is not solely about visualizing images in your mind. It involves making connections, generating ideas, solving problems, and expressing oneself in diverse ways.” He utilizes sketches and references to bring his artistic visions to life.

Joel Pearson, a cognitive neuroscientist researching aphantasia, emphasizes, “Aphantasia isn’t something that requires a solution. It’s simply a different way of experiencing reality. Individuals with aphantasia possess numerous strengths and talents that do not rely on visual imagery.”

Aphantasia remains a relatively new and enigmatic condition that prompts many inquiries regarding perception, memory, and imagination. Further research is essential to comprehend its impact on individuals’ lives and what it reveals about the human psyche.

Relevant articles:

• "3% of people in the world have aphantasia—here’s what to know," by Renée Onque, published on CNBC on February 19, 2023.
• "Aphantasia: The condition that stops people from forming mental images," by BBC News, published on September 28, 2023.
• "Aphantasia: How to live without a mind’s eye," by The Guardian, published on September 27, 2023.
• "Aphantasia: The hidden condition affecting millions," by ABC News, published on September 25, 2023.

Chapter 2: The Insights of Aphantasia

The second video titled "Aphantasia: Seeing the world without a mind's eye | Tamara Alireza | TEDxGoodenoughCollege" dives deeper into personal experiences and insights surrounding aphantasia, shedding light on how individuals navigate their lives without traditional visualization.