Sometimes our eyes play tricks on us, making us miss important things that are right in front of us. Whether it’s a hidden gorilla in a video or a blatant typo in a document, our brains have a tendency to overlook these details. Recent studies have shed light on this phenomenon called ‘Looked But Failed To See’ errors and propose that it is due to the limited capacity of our visual system’s prediction engine. It’s like our brain is so focused on what it expects to see that it fails to notice what’s actually there. This is similar to how we may be so absorbed in a captivating book that we completely miss someone trying to get our attention. Understanding this mechanism can help us improve our perception and attention, ensuring we don’t overlook important information. To dive deeper into the fascinating world of normal blindness and explore the latest research, check out the full article!
Humans routinely miss important information that is ‘right in front of our eyes’, from overlooking typos in a paper to failing to see a cyclist in an intersection. Recent studies on these ‘Looked But Failed To See’ (LBFTS) errors point to a common mechanism underlying these failures, whether the missed item was an unexpected gorilla, the clearly defined target of a visual search, or that simple typo. We argue that normal blindness is the by-product of the limited-capacity prediction engine that is our visual system.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.