Hey, that looks like a face!
December 5, 2009 6:30 PM Subscribe
Is there a word for the phenomenon of finding faces in abstract shapes or patterns? (more inside)
I don't mean religious icons in doors or sandwiches specifically, I mean the phenomenon in general of tending to always notice faces in patterns such as marble floors, etc.
I don't mean religious icons in doors or sandwiches specifically, I mean the phenomenon in general of tending to always notice faces in patterns such as marble floors, etc.
Pareidolia seems to be the word.
There was a FPP about Faces on Places not too long ago.
There was also another FPP about how schizophrenic brains can't see "the Hollow Mask Illusion."
posted by at the crossroads at 7:08 PM on December 5, 2009
There was a FPP about Faces on Places not too long ago.
There was also another FPP about how schizophrenic brains can't see "the Hollow Mask Illusion."
posted by at the crossroads at 7:08 PM on December 5, 2009
Apophenia is another word for this— AIUI it refers to the more general tendency to see patterns or structure where there is none, not necessarily faces or familiar sounds.
posted by hattifattener at 11:04 PM on December 5, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by hattifattener at 11:04 PM on December 5, 2009 [1 favorite]
You might research the word simulacrum (pl. simulacra). I can't remember exactly what it means and will leave the looking up to you.
posted by neuron at 9:13 PM on December 6, 2009
posted by neuron at 9:13 PM on December 6, 2009
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Sidhedevil at 6:31 PM on December 5, 2009 [1 favorite]