What your eyes first see in this optical illusion might just reflect your mood

Try it out for yourself:

What do you see? (Source: Mia Yilin)

What did you see first? The side profile of a man or a dog sleeping on a cliff? 

If you see the side profile of a man, then according to Yilin, you are an extrovert who is compassionate and loves being surrounded by people. However, if you noticed the cliff, you are an introvert who enjoys solitude and relies on a handful of trusted people. 

While it might sound fun and intriguing, it raises questions about how accurate such tests are regarding personality assessments. 

Can a simple visual trick really give us insight into our character?

Neha Cadabam, senior psychologist at Cadabams Hospitals, tells indianexpress.com, “Optical illusion tests can be fun and thought-provoking, but they are not scientifically reliable tools for determining personality traits. Personality characteristics such as introversion and extroversion are complex and rooted in psychology. They are best assessed through standardised psychological tools like the Big Five Personality Traits test or the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).” 

Moreover, the interpretation of what someone sees first in an optical illusion is often subjective, influenced by factors such as mood, prior knowledge, or cultural influences, rather than reflecting an innate personality type. While these tests can spark introspection and offer entertainment, they should not be treated as definitive personality indicators.

What does it mean when someone sees the man’s face or the cliff first in this optical illusion?

Cadabam stresses, “The interpretation of what someone sees first in an optical illusion is often rooted in how their brain prioritises certain stimuli.”

Seeing the Man’s Face First: This could suggest a person focuses on the human element, which may align with traits like sociability and people-centric thinking — often associated with extroversion.

Seeing the Cliff First: This might indicate a preference for abstract or detail-oriented thinking, often linked to introspection and solitude — traits commonly associated with introversion.

Why this interpretation isn’t absolute: Cadabam says, “External and internal factors constantly influence our brains. For example, someone who recently had a social interaction may subconsciously focus on the man’s face, while someone planning a trip may see the cliff first. This is why such optical illusions are more reflective of immediate mental states rather than stable personality traits.”