Apophenia: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Cloud face.jpg|alt=Cloud face|thumb|'''Figure 1'''. A random distribution of water vapour is seen as a face.]] | [[File:Cloud face.jpg|alt=Cloud face|thumb|'''Figure 1'''. A random distribution of water vapour is seen as a face.]] | ||
'''Apophenia is the tendency to perceive meaningful connections between unrelated things.''' A common example of this is seeing the image of a face in a cloud ('''Figure 1'''. Seeing patterns in random data). | '''Apophenia is the tendency to perceive meaningful connections between unrelated things.''' A common example of this is seeing the image of a face in a cloud ('''Figure 1'''. Seeing patterns in random data). | ||
It is a type of [[Cognitive Biases|cognitive bias]] that can lead people to see meaning or significance in things that are actually random or insignificant. Apophenia can be a normal part of human cognition and can sometimes lead to creative insights, but it can also lead to distorted or irrational thinking and beliefs. Some people may experience apophenia to a greater degree and may be more prone to forming irrational beliefs or making unsupported conclusions based on limited or incomplete information. In some cases, apophenia may be a symptom of a [[Mental Illness|mental illness]], such as schizophrenia. | |||
Revision as of 03:57, 30 December 2022
Apophenia is the tendency to perceive meaningful connections between unrelated things. A common example of this is seeing the image of a face in a cloud (Figure 1. Seeing patterns in random data).
It is a type of cognitive bias that can lead people to see meaning or significance in things that are actually random or insignificant. Apophenia can be a normal part of human cognition and can sometimes lead to creative insights, but it can also lead to distorted or irrational thinking and beliefs. Some people may experience apophenia to a greater degree and may be more prone to forming irrational beliefs or making unsupported conclusions based on limited or incomplete information. In some cases, apophenia may be a symptom of a mental illness, such as schizophrenia.