Why You See Monsters in the Mirror

The video explores the eerie nature of mirrors, particularly how staring at one's reflection can lead to seeing distorted or unfamiliar faces. This phenomenon is partly explained by the Troxler effect, where peripheral vision fades, and the brain fills in gaps, causing facial features to appear altered. The video also discusses the psychological aspects of facial perception, including gestalt theory, and the importance of self-recognition in mirrors for identity development. Despite these explanations, the reason for seeing non-human faces remains a mystery.

What psychological phenomenon explains why we see distorted faces in the mirror after staring for too long?

What were some of the unusual things participants reported seeing in the mirror during the 2010 study?

What is the Troxler effect and how does it relate to visual perception?

How does the ability to recognize one's reflection relate to the development of self-awareness?

Why might seeing a face in the mirror that is not your own lead to an identity crisis?