Quizz: You will be in the top 1% of smart people if you find a trick to stop optical illusions
This is an example of illusory motion, also known as the illusion of motion, in which a still image appears to be moving. They work by tricking the brain into seeing movement using contrasting colors, object shapes, and positions.
Because our brains read changes in light as motion, it looks as if the lines are moving. However, in reality, they are completely static. A similar trick is used to create the illusion of depth.
What’s interesting is that this trick relies on the viewer scanning their eyes across the image for the full effect. If you look at the center of the image, the illusory movement will slow down or even stop completely.
Optical illusions are often just fun tests, but they also have real value for scientists. Brain puzzles help researchers unravel the inner workings of the mind and how it responds to its surroundings.