Core Points - The article discusses the phenomenon of aphantasia, a condition where individuals cannot visualize images in their mind, likening it to being "blind" in the mind [7][11] - A study from 2022 indicates that approximately 3.9% of the population experiences aphantasia, with 0.8% being completely unable to visualize [11][12] - Aphantasia is not considered a disorder but rather a different way of perceiving the world, similar to being left-handed [11][12] Group 1 - Aphantasia was first noted by neuroscientist Adam Zeman in 2003, gaining wider academic attention after a comprehensive review in 2015 [8] - Individuals with aphantasia can describe objects and their characteristics but cannot form vivid mental images [8][11] - The condition is measured using the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire (VVIQ), with scores below 32 indicating significant aphantasia [12] Group 2 - Aphantasia affects how individuals recall experiences, often leading to a reliance on abstract thinking rather than visual memory [17][24] - Research shows that aphantasia is linked to differences in brain connectivity between the visual cortex and the prefrontal cortex, affecting the integration of visual information [14] - Aphantasia may enhance abilities in abstract reasoning and conceptual thinking, making individuals more efficient in fields like mathematics and science [20][21] Group 3 - Aphantasia can lead to challenges in recalling personal memories and constructing a continuous self-narrative, but it may also reduce emotional distress from negative memories [25][27] - The article suggests that individuals with aphantasia should embrace their unique cognitive style rather than seek to change it, as it is a characteristic rather than a deficiency [28][30] - The diversity of cognitive styles, including aphantasia, highlights the complexity of human perception and understanding [29][30]