Some people cannot picture images in their mind’s eye or even dream visually. This condition, known as aphantasia, affects how the brain processes imagination, memory, and dreaming. In this article, we explore the causes of aphantasia, how it influences thought and creativity, and why some individuals experience dreams in words, not pictures.
Have you ever closed your eyes and imagined a sunset—but saw nothing? If so, you’re not alone.
For most people, visualization is second nature. They can mentally picture a face, a landscape, or a scene from a book. But a growing number of individuals report that they cannot form mental images at all. This fascinating condition is called aphantasia, and it’s gaining attention among neuroscientists, psychologists, and the general public.
Can you picture an apple in your mind right now? For many, the mental image is vivid—bright red skin, a shiny surface, maybe even a basket full at a market or hanging from a tree in an orchard. But for others, that mental image never appears. No color. No shape. Nothing.
This phenomenon is known as aphantasia—a neurological condition where the brain is unable to create mental images.
For those with aphantasia, everyday thinking doesn’t rely on visual memory or imagination. Instead, they might process thoughts through words, abstract concepts, or internal dialogue. As Professor Joel Pearson, a cognitive neuroscientist and director of the Future Minds Lab at UNSW, explains: “It’s just a different way of solving problems—like doing math in your head. The process may differ, but the outcome is still valid.”
It’s important to note that aphantasia is not a disorder, not an illness, and doesn’t require a cure. It’s simply one of the many unique ways the human brain operates—and one that we’re only just beginning to understand.
Even more intriguing—many with aphantasia report dreaming in words or abstract concepts rather than visuals. This raises profound questions about how the mind works:
- How do people with aphantasia think, remember, or create?
- What causes this phenomenon?
- And how does it affect dreaming, creativity, and daily life?
Let’s dive into the science of mental imagery, why some minds work differently, and what it means for how we all experience reality.
What Is Aphantasia?
Aphantasia Defined:
Aphantasia is the inability to voluntarily visualize mental images. People with this condition typically:
- Cannot “see” pictures in their mind’s eye
- Struggle to recall faces, places, or events visually
- Often think in words, concepts, or sensations instead of images
Coined in 2015 by neurologist Dr. Adam Zeman, aphantasia is not classified as a disorder but rather as a neurological variation of human experience.
Fact: A 2020 study from the University of Exeter estimated that 2–5% of the population may have aphantasia, though exact numbers vary.
How Aphantasia Affects Visualization and Memory
For most people, memory and imagination involve pictures. For example:
- Recalling a vacation might trigger mental images of the beach
- Planning a room layout may involve mentally arranging furniture
But for someone with aphantasia, these processes occur without visuals. Instead, they rely on:
- Verbal reasoning
- Spatial understanding
- Abstract logic
This doesn’t mean they’re less intelligent or creative—it simply means they process information differently.
Dreaming Without Images: Can You Dream in Words?
Dreams and Aphantasia
Surprisingly, people with aphantasia often report that their dreams:
- Contain sounds, emotions, and dialogue
- Lack vivid or detailed visuals
- Are sometimes experienced as narratives or inner monologues
However, studies show that dreaming and visualization may be governed by different brain mechanisms. Some individuals with aphantasia still report visual dreams, even if they can’t visualize when awake.
Study Insight: Research published in eLife (2021) using fMRI scans found that visual cortex activity is significantly reduced in people with aphantasia when asked to imagine images—yet their dreaming brain still shows some visual activity.
What Causes Aphantasia?
While the exact cause is still under investigation, scientists believe it may involve:
- Differences in visual cortex connectivity
- Altered activity in the default mode network (linked to imagination)
- Potential genetic factors or developmental differences
Some people are born with aphantasia (congenital), while others develop it later in life due to brain injury or trauma.
Aphantasia and Creativity: Does It Limit You?
Contrary to popular belief, aphantasia does not block creativity. In fact, many highly creative individuals have it, including:
- Ed Catmull, co-founder of Pixar
- Famous author Blake Ross (co-creator of Mozilla Firefox)
People with aphantasia may:
- Excel in analytical thinking, writing, or problem-solving
- Use words, patterns, and logic in place of images
- Have rich inner experiences—just not visual ones
How Is Aphantasia Diagnosed?
There’s no medical test for aphantasia, but self-assessments like the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire (VVIQ) are widely used in research. It asks participants to rate how vividly they can picture various scenarios.
A low score suggests aphantasia, though neuroimaging studies are increasingly used to confirm brain activity differences.
Conclusion
Aphantasia shows that not everyone sees the world—or imagines it—the same way. While some people visualize in color and detail, others think in words, sounds, or emotions. Far from being a limitation, this difference offers a powerful reminder: there are many valid ways to experience thought, memory, and creativity.
As research continues, aphantasia may not only reshape how we understand the brain—it may also expand how we define intelligence, imagination, and identity.
FAQs
1. What is aphantasia?
Aphantasia is the inability to visualize mental images, meaning the person cannot “see” pictures in their mind’s eye.
2. Can people with aphantasia still dream?
Yes, but many report dreams filled with sounds or words instead of clear visuals.
3. Is aphantasia a disorder?
No, it’s considered a neurological variation, not a disease or mental illness.
4. How do I know if I have aphantasia?
You can take the VVIQ (Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire) to assess your mental imagery ability.
5. Can aphantasia develop later in life?
Yes. While often congenital, it can also result from brain injury or trauma.
6. Does aphantasia affect creativity or intelligence?
No. Many people with aphantasia are highly creative and intelligent—they simply process information differently.
