3 ms·

I'm curious, after looking at a computer screen for a little while and then closing your eyes do you ever see a rectangle that is the same proportions as the co

I'm curious, after looking at a computer screen for a little while and then closing your eyes do you ever see a rectangle that is the same proportions as the computer screen? It doesn't have to be a screen even, it can be anything. I have noticed that I will have an almost exact replica "burned into" my vision when I close my eyes. I can then (somewhat) manipulate this image in my mind. I've kinda thought that these changes in light (from whatever we are looking at) creates the initial image and then this image can be manipulated in the mind. I think that the retina or the parts of the brain that are involved in visual imagery must somehow be involved in these visualizations we are seeing (not the after image). It would be inefficient to develop a new skill from scratch, a big part of our brain is already dedicated to sight and imagery, so I wonder if we can somehow make use of the visual cortex to enhance our ability to visualize things? Need to find a way to hack into the subconscious..

wilder 13y ago
FYI, the phenomenon you describe is an afterimage and happens to everybody (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afterimage http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afterimage). You are correct that the visual cortex is involved in both phenomena but they are quite different. An after-image is still an "upstream" image on your retina, whereas a mental image is not. Whether the former can be used to increase facility with the latter I do not know. I haven't seen scientific evidence that imagery can be trained at all. Despite all that it doesn't sound like a terrible place to start.
- luketych 13y ago
  Ah, that's what it's called, thanks! I read about that a while back but forgot whether it was a phenomenon of the retina or of the brain. What I am wondering is if you can use the after image as almost a skeleton for more advanced visualizations. For example, imagine the retinal after image laying down the basic shape, and then you can consciously add detail on top of that after image. Maybe using the after image as a kind of training wheels..if it's even possible..
- deleted 13y ago
  [deleted]
deleted 13y ago
[deleted]

wilder 13y ago

FYI, the phenomenon you describe is an afterimage and happens to everybody (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afterimage http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afterimage). You are correct that the visual cortex is involved in both phenomena but they are quite different. An after-image is still an "upstream" image on your retina, whereas a mental image is not. Whether the former can be used to increase facility with the latter I do not know. I haven't seen scientific evidence that imagery can be trained at all. Despite all that it doesn't sound like a terrible place to start.

luketych 13y ago
Ah, that's what it's called, thanks! I read about that a while back but forgot whether it was a phenomenon of the retina or of the brain. What I am wondering is if you can use the after image as almost a skeleton for more advanced visualizations. For example, imagine the retinal after image laying down the basic shape, and then you can consciously add detail on top of that after image. Maybe using the after image as a kind of training wheels..if it's even possible..
deleted 13y ago
[deleted]

deleted 13y ago

[deleted]