It’s Face Pareidolia

Face pareidolia is the phenomenon where we see faces in ordinary objects.

Our brains enjoy spotting patterns, particularly faces, in random shapes or items.

For example, when we look at a fluffy cloud and see what appears to be eyes, a nose and a mouth, it might resemble a smiley face to us.

Our brains are wired to find familiar shapes, even in everyday things!

Want to learn more?

Watch TedEd’s Seeing things that aren’t there? It’s pareidolia