Ever wondered how those mind-bending images on social media work? One of them challenges viewers to spot an elusive animal hidden in plain sight. This phenomenon, known as the McCollough effect, tricks your brain by exploiting visual cues.

Stare at a colored grating long enough, and your brain starts seeing colors where there are none. The effect persists even after you look away. Scientists believe it’s linked to how our visual system processes information.

Colors play a key role, leaving a lasting impression on our brains. Celeste McCollough Howard, the psychologist who discovered the effect, named it the ‘contingent aftereffect.’ It’s like a withdrawal symptom, altering our perception for months.

But beware: prolonged exposure can harm your eyesight. And reversing the effect requires careful countermeasures.

So, why does our brain fall for these illusions? It’s all about how we interpret visual input. Researchers are intrigued by who’s most susceptible to this optical trickery.

Want to delve deeper? Here’s how to explore the McCollough Effect firsthand.