This illusion on Facebook isn't what it seems
The self-described “front page of the internet,” Reddit has struck again. Earlier this week, a user posted an image they found on Facebook with the caption, “How big are these Facebook Marketplace lamps?!” This optical illusion has gone viral, stumping countless people along the way.
Images like this can put your brain to the test. Remember: Just like your body, your brain needs exercise. Puzzles and brain teasers like these four challenging optical illusions are good for your long-term health.
You may wonder how an image can stump people. Just scroll down to see for yourself. You’ll figure out why it has people scratching their heads.
Lawn ornaments or lamps?
Take a gander at the image below and try to figure out what it is. Allegedly, this image first showed up on Facebook Marketplace before a user named codeyqueen posted it on Reddit.
People in comment sections across the web say it makes them feel like “idiots” because they can’t tell whether it depicts two normal-sized lamps or two giant lamps blown up to be used as lawn ornaments.
What do you see?
You aren’t alone if you thought they were two oversized lawn ornaments shaped like lamps. Many people couldn’t understand that these Facebook Marketplace lamps weren’t a trick of the eye. They’re actually lamps hanging from a wire at the top of the picture.
There are two reasons why this image is throwing people off. First, everything in the picture is in focus, which means it’s hard for your eyes to tell what’s closer.
Usually, cameras will focus on objects closest to the camera while items in the background are blurred out. But since everything in this image is as crisp as freshly-folded sheets, your brain doesn’t know how to interpret it.
There’s also the depth of field to take into account. The person who took this photo shot the backyard lamps at an unusual angle. This makes the lamps look enormous.
4 optical illusions that will test your brain
Optical illusions are a hoot and a half. They can leave you shocked, startled and even a little existential. The best optical illusions can leave you scratching your head and questioning reality, so we want to share four of the coolest afterimage optical illusions out there.
Test yourself with more than 15,000 brainteasers, riddles and logic problems
It’s easy to fall into the routine of one Netflix movie after another when you’re housebound, so it’s important to make sure to keep your mind active as well as your body. Luckily, there are sites that make it easy and fun to test yourself with tons of free logic problems, brainteasers, riddles and more.