### Optical Illusion Claims to Reveal Telltale Personality Traits, Psychologist Suggests
Optical illusions have long piqued scientific curiosity and captivated the public, blurring the lines between entertainment and insight into the human mind. Recent discussions highlight how these captivating images might offer clues about our personalities, according to some psychologists.
Dr Marina Neuralean, a psychologist and social media content creator, recently brought attention to a viral optical illusion on TikTok, suggesting it could help people understand how open they are when interacting with others. The illusion, which at first glance appears as a tranquil nature scene, can reportedly reveal whether you are quick to share your thoughts and feelings or prefer to keep your personal life more guarded.
In her post featuring the ambiguous image, Dr Neuralean posed the question to her audience: “What did you see first in this image? Was it the waterfall, or perhaps a panda?” She describes this as more than just a fun puzzle, but rather as ‘a psychological test—an optical illusion that reveals how easily you open up to others.’
Optical illusions like these function by tricking our brains using visual cues such as colour, light, and patterns. The result is that people may perceive distinct objects or shapes within the same image, and those subtle differences might be telling. Both researchers and enthusiasts argue that since everyone’s perception is unique, these illusions can act as unconventional personality assessments.
According to Dr Neuralean’s interpretation, those who immediately notice the waterfall tend to be naturally open and sociable individuals. “If the waterfall was the first thing you noticed, it means you form connections with people quickly and are perceived as approachable,” she explained. The openness of these individuals, she continued, often draws others to seek them out for advice or a listening ear.
However, this extroverted side may come with its own drawbacks. The psychologist points out that people with this personality may be seen as ‘too positive,’ potentially leading others to wrongly assume they have no struggles of their own. “While you are happy to help others with their problems, you may prefer to sort out your own issues independently. This can leave you quietly longing for someone to confide in, even as you appear cheerful on the surface,” Dr Neuralean added.
In contrast, if you first spot a bear or panda within the scene, Dr Neuralean says this could suggest a more reserved approach to relationships and emotions. Those in this group are described as outwardly sweet and friendly, yet tend to keep their deepest thoughts private, taking a longer time to build trust. Past experiences, particularly negative or traumatic ones, could shape this guardedness, according to the psychologist. “It’s perfectly natural to remain cautious, especially if it helps you avoid repeating previous mistakes,” she explained.
While some critics caution against reading too deeply into such personality tests, many find them a light-hearted opportunity for self-reflection. For some, optical illusions like this offer a playful route to understanding themselves, prompting conversations about trust, independence, and vulnerability.
Importantly, psychologists emphasise that no single image can provide a definitive analysis of complex personality traits. Instead, these tests are perhaps best viewed as prompts to explore patterns in one’s behaviour and consider what might shape them. As with many topics in psychology, the value lies not just in the ‘answer’, but in the conversations and introspection such illusions inspire.
With viral trends such as this continuing to spread, there is growing interest in the science behind vision and perception. While optical illusions will likely remain popular as fun social media challenges, they also remind us of the intricate relationship between what we see—and who we are.