What the hell is aphantasia?

Have you ever tried to mentally visualize an image but were unable to do so?

If so, you might have a condition called aphantasia.

The inability to visualize images in the mind is known as aphantasia and is not considered a disorder but rather a cognitive characteristic that some people possess. People with aphantasia typically report a complete absence of voluntary mental imagery—they see only darkness when trying to imagine a visual scene.

Aphantasia affects an estimated 1-4% of the population, making mental image creation impossible for those who experience it. Such individuals often realize their mind works differently from others only when exposed to visualization exercises or discussions with people who can visualize vividly. This condition may be congenital or acquired, and current research suggests both visual and auditory imagery rely on overlapping but distinct neural mechanisms.

Auditory vs. Visual Imagery

While visual imagery involves forming mental pictures, auditory imagery lets people imagine sounds, voices, or music. Many people with aphantasia can still experience vivid auditory imagery, though some may have deficits in both domains. Studies have shown overlapping brain regions are involved in imagining both sights and sounds, but these capabilities can be dissociated—meaning one may function without the other

Why You Can Imagine Sounds But Not Images

The phenomenon of being able to imagine sounds but not images indicates a difference in how sensory modalities are represented in your brain. Neurological differences, particularly in gray matter volume in the supplementary motor area and connectivity between sensory and regulatory brain regions, may influence the vividness or presence of these internal experiences. It's not uncommon for someone with aphantasia to have preserved auditory imagery, supporting the idea that mental imagery abilities across senses can vary independently.

Not a Disorder—Just a Difference

Aphantasia is considered a normal variant of human cognition, not a medical condition. Many with aphantasia use alternative strategies, relying strongly on logic, facts, or other sensory modalities rather than mental images. This difference can affect subjective experiences, but most individuals adapt without significant limitations in daily life.

If visual imagery never emerges despite different techniques, it's likely an inherent cognitive trait. If desired, professionals in psychology or neuroscience can help explore these experiences further.