Science & Technology

Scientists unlock the secrets of pareidolia

By T.K. Randall
July 7, 2021

Image: AI-generated (Midjourney) The brain's intriguing ability to make out face-like shapes in otherwise abstract patterns is something we've covered a lot over the years, but exactly how this process works and what the brain is actually doing when it picks out a face that doesn't exist - has long remained a bit of a mystery.

"From an evolutionary perspective, it seems that the benefit of never missing a face far outweighs the errors where inanimate objects are seen as faces," said study lead author Professor David Alais from the University of Sydney's school of psychology.

"There is a great benefit in detecting faces quickly, but the system plays 'fast and loose' by applying a crude template of two eyes over a nose and mouth."

"Lots of things can satisfy that template and thus trigger a face detection response."In many ways this process can be likened to a computer program that scans an image and picks up on any shape or pattern that broadly matches its search criteria.

In humans, it can happen extremely quickly - within a tiny fraction of a second.

"We know these objects are not truly faces, yet the perception of a face lingers," said Prof Alais.

"We end up with something strange - a parallel experience that it is both a compelling face and an object. Two things at once."

Source: Sky News

Tags: Pareidolia