PSYCHOLOGY
psychology
perception
brain
evolution
Pareidolia: Faces in the Clouds
We see faces in electrical outlets, toast, and Mars rocks. Our brains are hardwired to detect patterns, even when none exist.
Neuroscience• 5 min read
Evolutionary Survival
Why do we see faces everywhere? Because missing a face (a predator or enemy) in the jungle could mean death. Seeing a face where there is none (a rock) is a cheap mistake. Better to be safe than sorry.
Meaning Making
This extends beyond faces. We see patterns in stock markets, "lucky" streaks in gambling, and shapes in stars (constellations). We are pattern-seeking machines in a chaotic universe.