User:LAYERjump/sandbox

Strange Face Illusion / Strange Face in the Mirror Illusion (draft)

The Strange Face Illusion is a visual phenomena causing the viewer to perceive their reflection's face becoming distorted. The effect occurs when one holds their gaze on their own face in a mirror while in a dimly-lit environment; after a short period of time, sometimes less than one minute, they may perceive a variety of changes in the image of their face. Most frequently, viewers describe seeing the image become warped but still recognizable. In other cases, viewers describe their warped reflection as resembling a family member, a stranger, an animal, or a monster. Upon breaking eye contact or losing focus, the illusion will break.

[describe mirror studies, relation to "staring at partner's face" study]

[explain proposed explanations] [Troxler Fading / Lilac Chaser Illusion (proposed relation)]

Source 1; G.B. Caputo

Source 2; H,M,C.