Aphantasia
"More than 20% of people with aphantasia worked in science, computing or mathematics"
Definition
Aphantasia is the inability to voluntarily create mental images in one's mind. People with Aphantasia cannot visualise scenes, faces, or objects, even if they can remember details about them. This condition is the opposite of a strong visual imagination.
How It Presents and Feels
Individuals with Aphantasia do not experience visual imagery, meaning they cannot "see" pictures in their minds. For example, when asked to imagine a beach, they might know what a beach looks like but cannot see it in their mind’s eye.
While Aphantasia does not typically affect overall cognitive functioning, it may influence how people approach tasks that involve visualisation or imagination. Some individuals may not realise they have Aphantasia until later in life when they discover that others can visualise things mentally.
Common Traits
• Inability to visualise images, scenes, or objects in the mind
• Reliance on other cognitive strategies, such as verbal thinking or logic
• Difficulty with tasks that require mental visualisation (e.g. spatial reasoning)
• Stronger skills in non-visual thinking (e.g. verbal, analytical)
• Potential frustration or confusion when asked to imagine or visualise things
• Possible unawareness of the condition until comparison with others